RISON - The annual "Christmas in the Village" event at the Pioneer Village is changing things up this year, pivoting from a traditional Saturday event to a nighttime celebration to boost community participation.
Marty Bowlin, president, and Malinda Berry, vice president, of the Pioneer Village committee, joined the Free Range Conversations podcast with hosts Britt Talent and Douglas Boultinghouse to talk about the upcoming event.
The episode is now streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and ClevelandCountyHerald.com
The event, Talent compared to a Hallmark movie in its first iteration, is returning to its weeknight roots.
The main event night is Thursday, Dec. 4, with several activities planned:
Fish Fry Fundraiser
The Village will host Leon’s Catfish from 4 to 7 p.m. with fish and chicken dinners for $20. The dinner serves as a fundraiser for the upkeep of the historic property.
Tickets can be purchased in advance from Bowlin, Berry or Treasurer Sharon Gray. Tickets are available at My Berry Patch Florist and Gifts, 303 Main Street; and the Cleveland County Herald office, 215 Main Street.
Holiday Vendor Market
During the event, the Village will offer free vendor space for home-based businesses, churches, organizations and anyone wishing to set up. Donations to the Pioneer Village are appreciated.
Space is limited. To reserve a space, contact Marty Bowlin at (870) 540-7545.
Cleveland County Cares Christmas Bingo
Local charity organization, Cleveland County Cares, will host its annual Christmas Bingo game from 5 to 7 p.m., or until prizes run out.
The cost is $1 per game/card and all proceeds help the organization provide essentials and gifts to families in need this holiday season.
Prizes will include items from local businesses, homemade baked goods and more.
Christmas Concerts
At 5:30 p.m. the Rison United Methodist Church Choir will perform selections from their Christmas Cantata at the church in the Village.
At 6 p.m. the Rison Elementary and High School Literacy and Christmas Program will begin, followed by performance from the Rison School Band.
Santa Claus is expected to make an appearance during the performances.
Gingerbread Workshop
The annual Gingerbread House Decorating Workshop, sponsored by the CALL in Cleveland County and the Cleveland County Herald, will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
The cost is $10 per participant with $40 family maximum. The CALL will have crafts and photo opportunities this year.
The Herald will sponsor cash prizes for first, second and third place in two categories: 12 years and younger, and age 13-18.
Reserve your spot by November 26th by texting Clevelandgives to 41444 and giving participant’s name, age and contact information as well as making payment.
For questions, contact Lisa Prescott at (870) 818-3040.
Reindeer Run
The Village will host a Reindeer Run 5K Saturday, Dec. 6 beginning at 8 a.m. with registration at 7:30 a.m.
The first 25 participants will receive a free reindeer t-shirt.
The fee is $25 to sign up. Sign up online here: https://forms.gle/mpuDpMyDSZBELBgj9
Holiday Photo Sessions
Douglas Boultinghouse with Douglas B Design Photography will host holiday photo sessions Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9 to 11 a.m.
Photos will include Santa this year. The cost is $120 plus tax for 10 digital images. A portion of each session fee will be donated to the Pioneer Village.
To schedule, call or text (870) 510-2433.
Cookies & Cocoa with Santa After Parade Party
Thursday, Dec. 11 following the Rison Shine Christmas Parade, which ends at the Pioneer Village, Santa will visit with kids and enjoy cookies and cocoa, approximately 7:30 p.m.
The Village will also offer free space for vendors to set up.
During the after party, the Rison Starz Dance Academy will perform a special showcase for the holidays.
More on the Village
During the podcast, the guests emphasized that the Pioneer Village is a crucial historical and community asset that the current committee is actively working to maintain, improve and utilize.
The events, like Christmas in the Village and the Pioneer Crafts Festival planned for April serve as fundraisers to support the Pioneer Village, a key asset to the Rison community.
The money raised helps with ongoing maintenance, repairs, and the vision for future growth, such as finishing the jail and adding heating and cooling to Building Two to make it more accessible for year-round events.
The buildings, many of which have historic significance, will be decorated for the events. Kristi White and Tammy Curry are decorating the McMurtry House and possibly Lois' Cottage, while the Woodlawn extension group is decorating the church.
With the school moving their program to the Village, Bowlin said. "What an opportunity for these younger kids to to see the village that have maybe never been there."
The Pioneer Village is also available for rentals, including weddings, with one scheduled for the end of April.