Nine local holiday events
By Lucas Sweitzer, Local EditorFor students looking for ways to get into the holiday spirit here in Grant County, here are some local holiday events you can check out this weekend. Unless otherwise noted, contact and time information comes from showmegrantcounty.com.
Upland Old Tyme Christmas This Sunday, a series of services will be offered in Upland for students looking to get into the holiday spirit. The Lions Club Building will be offering a buffet for $7 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., with carry-out orders available. The Upland Area Historical Society will be offering a tour of historic homes from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. for $5. From 3 p.m. - 5 p.m., the Upland Depot will be offering a free carriage ride sponsored by the Upland Chamber of Commerce. All of these events will build up to the annual tree lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. at the Upland Depot, with Ivanhoe's offering free Hot Chocolate and coffee. Students are welcome to join in the festivities!
Gas City Holiday Light Display Similar to Marion's Walkway of Lights, Gas City has set up a light display in Gas City's 'Beaner Linn' Park at 718 S. Broadway Street. The display will be open for all audiences, regardless of weather, to come out and stroll through this winter wonderland.
Experience Christmas in Fairmount This local event will offer sales for participating students in downtown Fairmount. From Adams Street to Jefferson Street, vendors will be set up today from 6 p.m.- 9 p.m. and tomorrow from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Retailers will be offering sales on everything from homemade baked goods to art made by local artists.
Made in Marion Come check out Marion's first-ever interactive art exhibition. Centered around the theme "Hope, Light & Service," participants can enjoy this locally-created art in downtown Marion throughout the month of December. The event is sponsored by the Marion CSA Art Gallery, and select art from the exhibition can be purchased through silent auction. Proceeds from the auction will go to benefit St. Martin Community Center.
MGH Lights of Love Marion General Hospital will be hosting their 23rd annual Lights of Love display this Sunday at 6 p.m. at the hospital, 330 N. Wabash Ave. The display has become a standard for the Marion community, with many of the lights put up in memory of a particular loved one. For a $5 donation to the hospital, you can dedicate a light in the display to a loved one or or special event like an anniversary or thank you. In addition to the lights, a list of the honorees will be on display in the hospital. Forms to donate can be made available from Customer Services at 765-660-6410, or online at mhg.net.
Breakfast with Santa Looking for someone to share your Christmas wish list with? Santa Claus is coming to the Marion Applebee's tomorrow at 1129 N. Baldwin Ave., with tickets available to students for $9. A ticket includes an Applebee's breakfast, a photo with Santa and a goodie bag. Those interesting in purchasing are encouraged to secure tickets ahead of time. Call 765-664-8613 or go to the Grant County YMCA for tickets.
Washington Township Fire Department Tenderloin Supper The Washington Township Fire Department will be hosting a supper tomorrow from 4 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the fire station, 1513 N. Bethlehem Road. Tickets can be purchased for $7 by calling 765-661-3593, or at the door for $7.50. The Van Burens Lions Club will prepare tenderloins, applesauce, green beans and coleslaw. Desserts are available for additional donations.
Fairmount UMC Holiday Market Fairmount United Methodist Church will be hosting a holiday market sponsored by the Phi Beta Psi Sorority. There will be 18 vendors offering a variety of products for interested patrons. Crafts, cosmetics, purses, jewelry are among the many goods offered. Doughnuts and coffee will be available in the morning, with hot dogs and chili being served in the afternoon. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the following groups: Fairmount Helping Hands, the Ronald McDonald House and cancer research.
Gas City Craft Show The Gas City Historical Society will be sponsoring a show full of homemade crafts and other gifts ready for purchase. In addition to these goods, concessions will also be available at Hontz Hall near Gas City's 'Beaner Linn' Park at 990 S. Rogers Ave. from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. tomorrow. Starting at 5:30 p.m., there will also be horse-drawn wagon rides.
