Christmas at the Cottages, Lights, Cantata, More Round Out the Month
RISON - Rison Shine Community Development, Inc. will host the Cleveland County Christmas Parade this Thursday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. in downtown, continuing the Christmas festivities across the county.
Rison Shine is inviting anyone interested in participating in the parade to bring their floats to the Pioneer Village by 6:40 p.m. to line up.
Following the success of last year’s parade with over 40 participants, organizers are looking to recapture that magic.
“We encourage local school classes, churches, businesses and other groups to put together a float for the parade,” said Rison Shine President Celeste Beatty.
Kids can join in the fun too!Kids of all ages are invited to decorate their bicycles to ride in the special section of the parade. Kids under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
As kids make their way down Main Street on bikes, all bikes should be parked in the Gateway Bank parking lot for judging.
Gateway Bank will sponsor prizes for the best floats and bikes. In the float category, prizes are $100 for first place, $50 for second place and $25 for third place. In the bicycle category, prizes are $20 for first place, $15 for second place and $10 for third place.
When the parade begins rolling, floats will make their way through the Green House Cottages of Southern Hills before heading north on Main Street.
Following the parade, guests are encouraged to visit the Pioneer Village for the drive-thru Christmas light display, open from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Drive-Thru Lights
The Pioneer Village at Rison will open its annual holiday drive-thru light display this Thursday, Dec. 12 following the Christmas Parade from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
The lights will be open from 6 to 8 p.m. on specific dates: Friday, Dec. 13; Saturday, Dec. 14; Friday, Dec. 20; and Saturday, Dec. 21.
Admission is free, but donations are appreciated at the exit.
Rison United Methodist Church Christmas Cantata
The Rison United Methodist Church Choir will present “The First Noel: Celebrating the Birthday of a King” Sunday, Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. at the church.
The cantata is free to attend.
Christmas at the Cottages
The Green House Cottages of Southern Hills will host a Christmas at the Cottages holiday festival Wednesday, Dec. 18 beginning at 6 p.m.
Families and children are invited to visit the elders in the Cottages where each cottage will be set up with different activities and treats.
Kids can enjoy live music, pictures with Santa, cookies, cocoa, games and a Christmas show. There will also be Christmas carolers going from cottage to cottage.
Christmas Food Truck Friday
The Dec. 20 date of the drive-thru lights will coincide with The Village and Rison Shine’s Food Truck Friday event from 4 to 7 p.m.
Participating food trucks will be announced soon.
During the event, the Rison United Methodist Church Choir will present an encore performance of their cantata “The First Noel: Celebrating the Birthday of a King” at 5:30 p.m.
Christmas in New Edinburg
The New Edinburg Community Center will host Santa Claus for two nights this December, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 and 21.
Re-New-ing Edinburg will provide cookies, hot cocoa, and a special gift for attendees.
There are also new additions to the Christmas decorations at the Community Center.
Winterfest at Powell Park
The Lanwood community will host the Winterfest 2024 Soup and Chili Cookoff Saturday, Dec. 21 at Powell Park beginning at 12 noon.
The peoples choice judging begins at 3 p.m. There will be games and door prizes.
For more information contact Red (469) 931-4241; Tee (870) 643-2438; Penny (501) 681-8214.