RISON - The Pioneer Village's annual Christmas in the Village Festival is set for this Saturday, Dec. 2, at the historic village property in Rison.
Breakfast with Santa
The festival will kick off at 8 a.m. with Breakfast with Santa through 10 a.m. There is a $5 charge for breakfast.
Gingerbread Workshop & Contest
The Call in Cleveland County, a organization that supports foster children and adoption, and the Cleveland County Herald will once again be sponsoring the Christmas in the Village Gingerbread House decoration workshop and contest from 10 a.m. to noon this Saturday, Dec. 2, at the Pioneer Village in Rison.
This years workshop and contest will include two divisions: ages 12 and under; and ages 13 to 18. Judging will take place at the conclusion of the workshop. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each division: $40 for first place, $25 for second and $15 for third.
The cost for the workshop is $10 per family. Lisa Prescott, organizer of the workshop, asked that those interested in participating can text 4144 with the message "Clevelandgives" to pay.
Prescott also asked that those who plan to attend the workshop text the names of those participating to (870) 818-3040 to assure there will be enough houses.
Cleveland County Cares Christmas Bingo
Cleveland County Cares will host a special game of Christmas Bingo from 12 to 2 p.m.
Melinda McKnight, organizer of the Cleveland County Care Fund said they have some of the best prizes they have had in the history of the event, ranging from homemade baked goods and handmade crafts to gift certificates, gift cards and Yeti tumblers.
McKnight said some prizes include items from Bumper to Bumper, Rison Pharmacy and more, including local restaurants.
Christmas Bingo is open to all ages. There is a $1 charge per game. All proceeds go to the Cleveland County Care Fund to provide clothes and Christmas presents for local families in need.
Holiday Market
The Christmas Village Market will host vendors from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vendors will have a variety of items such as Christmas decor, crafts, candy and baked goods.
Holiday Photos
Douglas Boultinghouse of Douglas B Design Graphic Design and Photography is providing holiday photo sessions from 8:30 to 10 a.m. To book a session, call (870) 510-2433 or see Douglas B Design on Facebook. A portion of each session fee will be donated to the Pioneer Village and Cleveland County Cares.
Concessions
The Pioneer Village will sell hamburgers and hot dogs for lunch.
Drive-Thru Lights
In the days after the festival, the Village will also open its drive-thru light display on select nights beginning Thursday, Dec. 7 following Rison Shine's Cleveland County Christmas Parade. Additional dates are Dec. 8, 9, 15 and 16.