RISON - It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Rison as Christmas events are shaping up for the month of December.
Below is a run down of what is currently planned with more an‐nouncements expected to be made in the weeks to come.
Christmas Parade
Rison Shine will kick things off with its annual Christmas Parade Thursday, Dec. 1 at 6:30 p.m., President Celeste Beatty has announced.
The parade will begin in the ShopWise parking lot on Main Street and make its way up the street, ending with a tour through the Green House Cottages of Southern Hills nursing home.
Rison Shine invites all businesses, organizations, churches, school groups and individuals to participate with decorated floats and vehicles.
Those participating should line up in the parking lot no later than 6:15 p.m. Old Timers Christmas Party
Immediately following the pa‐rade Thursday, Dec. 1, the Green House Cottages will host a Christmas party in the circle drive of the nursing home.
Administrator Michelle Phillips said staff will pass out cups of candy, hot cocoa, light up necklaces and more holiday goodies.
“It all leads up to a special production of Christmas fireworks,” she said.
Christmas in the Village
The Pioneer Village at Rison will host its annual Christmas in the Village festival Saturday, Dec. 3.
The event will begin with a pancake breakfast with Santa at 8 a.m. and games for children.
The holiday vendor market will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with vendors of crafts and more.
Interested vendors should contact Sharon Gray at (870) 692-3130 or download a form at clevelandcountyarkansas.com Douglas Boultinghouse will also be scheduling Christmas photo sessions from 8 to 10 a.m. For more info on sessions, see Douglas B Design or the Pioneer Village on Facebook, or calling (870) 510-2433.
The Cleveland County Herald and The CALL of Cleveland County will host the Gingerbreak House Contest and Workshop from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Gingerbread kits are $10. Foster/ adopted children are free of charge. For multiple children in a household, the maximum charge is $30.
Pre-registration is required for the workshop by texting (870) 818-3040 with child(ren)’s information, and texting ClevelandGives (no spaces) to 41444 to pay for the kits.
Other activities include tea and cookies with Mrs. Claus at 1 p.m. and concessions provided by the Rison High School band from 12 to 1 p.m.
Cleveland County Cares will host a special Christmas Bingo game from 1 to 3 p.m. with all proceeds from the game going to the organization’s efforts to provide Christmas for children and families in need this holiday season.
More details regarding the festival, including prices for some activities, will be announced soon.
Community Theater Christmas Show The Cleveland County Community Theater will present a special Christmas production Saturday, Dec. 3 at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds at 6:30 p.m., with a special matinee Sunday, Dec. 4 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $10 each and will go on sale soon at the Herald office. Tickets will also be able to be purchased at the Christmas in the Village festival throughout the day.
Performers will be announced soon.
Holiday Lights Drive-Thru
The Pioneer Village will also bring back its drive-thru light event for select weekends in December.
The event will take place Dec. 9, 10, 16 and 17.
Specific times will be announced soon.