Excitement building for even bigger event

The date for the second Henryetta Chamber’s Hallmark Christmas is approaching, and plans are being finalized to make the event even bigger – but help is needed.

Kelly Dobson and Valerie Mosco shared some additional news this week on the Henryetta Hallmark Christmas Page.

The Hallmark Christmas will be held Dec. 2 from 4-9 p.m. in downtown Henryetta.

The storefront decorating contest will be held again, and merchants are urged to start working on getting those ready.

First Family Federal Credit Union will once again sponsor the window decorating contest.

FFFCU is also sponsoring the garland and lights will be used to decorate across the streets this year.

“We also want to thank the volunteers that have offered to help and are already doing things and finishing projects and stuff,” they said. “We literally cannot do this by ourselves. It takes a village or community… We are so thankful for everybody. You guys show up and show out and help us tremendously. So if you have been to any of our volunteer meetings where you have reached out to us and want to help, we are very, very thankful for you.”

Numerous organizations and churches have reached out to assist in the event. The Henryetta Lions and Rotary Clubs are manning the hot cocoa and gingerbread house. First Baptist Church of Henryetta will be in charge of the Nativity this year, and the plan is to change that feature each year to provide an opportunity for all churches to be involved.

Before the parade, Henryetta First Baptist Church Youth Group will hold a pancake breakfast from 8-11 and start your morning off with all-you-can-eat pancakes. The meal is free; donations are welcome, but not required.

At the Chamber of Commerce Pocket Park (the Roy Madden Park) Dec. 2, there will be two live reindeer from 8:3010:30 a.m. and attendees will be able to purchase a picture with the animals for $10. The handler for the reindeer will be there to share some information about them.

“Then, Santa is going to put the reindeer up for the day, and he’ll be back for the Hallmark Christmas that night.”

The American Guardians Motorcycle Group is planning a Grinch “Whoville” area with games, activities and lots of fun stuff.

They will also be collecting toys during the event that will be donated personally to Shriners Hospital for Children.

“Last year during Hallmark Christmas, they received lots of donations,” Dobson said.

There will also be live trees at the event, provided by Molly and Socks Tree Farm, so if you don’t have a tree or wish to purchase one, they will be available, along with wreaths, garlands and tabletop trees by the Boy Scouts.

Kate’s will be providing this year’s edition of sweatshirts and ornaments for Hallmark Christmas.

Pictures will be taken inside the tree farm and there will even be some fake snow to get everyone in the holiday spirit.

Vendor spots are almost full, and there will be an updated list of vendors coming soon.

Three food vendors scheduled to be in attendance include Rustler’s BBQ, Smash Burgers, and the open fire chuckwagon; along with the Chamber of Commerce planning on food and drinks.

“We also are going to have an open fire, like with a chuck wagon, he’ll be cooking on open fire and that’s gonna be gonna be awesome. We’ll have carriage rides like last year.”

The evening events include the tree lighting ceremony along with the Christmas Parade which begins at 6 p.m.

This year’s route will pass in front of the park so that those in attendance won’t miss out on the fun and lights, and still be able to enjoy the Hallmark events.

The next meeting will be held Monday, Nov. 27 at 7 p.m. at The Lodge on Main Street.

At 6 p.m., there will be a meeting with the volunteers, and at 7 p.m. will be with vendors.

“So if you’re a vendor, please put in your calendar that we are having a meeting and that’s where you’ll get your map and your number and you’ll know exactly where to go. Once you get there, you’ll have a packet and if you can’t make it, please let us know we will get to you as quickly as possible.”

There is also a need for a person or group of people to take on wrapping the trees in the park area with lights, which will be provided; along with lights that will illuminate the vendor area.

“We also need Christmas trees. If anybody has old Christmas trees that they don’t want or that they could donate as long as they’re green or flocked, not white we would desperately need those. But if you want them back and you don’t want to donate them forever, we will tag them and give them back to you.”

For more information, contact the Henryetta Chamber and visit the Henryetta Hallmark Christmas Facebook page.