Christmastime In Ripley County: Season Begins Now, With Much Holiday Activity In Store

The next big event, Christmas, is upon us.

To quote a Paul McCartney song, “The party’s on, the feeling’s here, that only comes this time of year, and we’re simply having a wonderful Christmastime.”

Each week, businesses and community groups will be offering contests, holiday activities and shopping opportunities. The Prospect-News will try to keep readers informed as to what’s in store each week.

Nov. 30-Dec. 7

The holiday season starts with the official Nov. 30 kick-off for “Christmas Comes To Doniphan,” as well as a lighted parade in Naylor and a live nativity in Gatewood.

Christmas Comes

To Doniphan:

When it comes to gift-giving, Christmas Comes To Doniphan will check off all the boxes.

Local stores and boutiques in town will be offering holiday discounts throughout the season. In addition, several specially scheduled craft fairs will make available a unique selection of homespun goods from which to choose.

Sights and sounds of Christmas are already starting to be seen and felt. Various crews have begun their quest to light up Doniphan. Heritage Homestead is “suited up” for the holiday, and the Ripley County Chamber of Commerce “Twelve Days of Christmas” project is in place on the Ripley County Courthouse lawn.

By this time next week, merchants who are participating in a Christmas Comes to Doniphan window decorating contest will compete for bragging rights and a traveling trophy, which the winner will get to keep and display for one year (until the next competition).

The deadline for completing the window displays is Nov. 30. The community is invited to cast votes for their favorite on the Christmas Comes To Doniphan Facebook page, Dec. 1-7.

Christmas At The Homestead kids’ movie night with Santa will take place Nov. 30 from 4 to 6 p.m., in the Doniphan Community Center.

Free popcorn and cocoa will be served, The Polar Express movie will be shown, and there will also be an opportunity for kids to create Christmas crafts.

At that time winners will be announced for the Mr. and Miss Merry Christmas contest, as well.

Residents in Ripley County have until Nov. 30 to string lights and display decorations in preparation for the Christmas Comes To Doniphan holiday lights driving tour.

Maps of the locations of the homes to be viewed on the tour are available online on the Christmas Comes To Doniphan Facebook page and may also be picked up at downtown businesses.

Those taking part in the contest are asked to make sure their lights are blazing from Dec. 1-14, from 4:30 to 10 p.m., during which time judging will take place. Families are encouraged to take the tour and cast their vote for a special Peoples’ Choice award. Go to the Christmas Comes To Doniphan Facebook page to vote.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three homes, and the Peoples’ Choice winner will receive a special merchants’ goody basket.

Two opportunities will exist on Dec. 7 for shoppers who want to give creative, handmade Christmas gifts.

The congregation of His Place Church, located north of Doniphan on Highway 160, will host their 9th Annual Christmas Craft Fair from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. that same day.

They will offer a free gift to the first 50 who attend, and also sponsor a 50/50 raffle.

Also on Dec. 7 from noon to 4 p.m., the “Christmas On State Street” early shoppers’ craft fair will take place in downtown Doniphan.

Businesses along Heritage Park and Washington Streets will host holiday specials, and vendors with handmade, boutique and craft items will set up along State Street.

“Should it rain, or if we end up having icy weather which doesn’t affect road traffic, we will move everything into 1808 Public House,” says Faith Schrimsher, who is coordinating the event.

She says 1808 plans to set up a soup bar and Lemonade House Grille will host a chocolate bar.

J.A. Ashby VFW Post 3485 has invited Santa for scheduled photo shoots Nov. 30-Dec. 7. Kids can get a picture taken with Santa for a sitting fee of $5. Take a digital photo with your phone, or one can be emailed, courtesy of the VFW.

Enter through the front door at VFW Hall as follows: Nov. 30, from noon to 5 p.m.; Dec. 1 from 2 to 5 p.m.; Dec. 2-6, from 4 to 7 p.m., or Dec. 7 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also on Dec. 7, pancakes and sausage will be served at the post until noon. Cost is $1 for each pancake or piece of sausage. Following breakfast, the post will serve lunch. Cost is $5 and includes a hotdog, chips, and a drink.

Proceeds will go into the general fund to provide assistance for area veterans.

Gatewood Live

Nativity, Dec. 1

Gatewood’s Generation Jesus Club will host “A Journey To Bethlehem” live nativity display from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Dec. 1, in the Gatewood R-III baseball field.

Hot cocoa will be served, and assistance will be provided for anyone who is unable to walk up the hill to view the display.

The Gatewood’s Generation Jesus Club and students of Gatewood R-III invite the community to join with them as they share the birth of Jesus Christ in this special event.

Lighted Parades

Dec. 7 at

Grandin, Naylor

For those who love a parade, the cities of Naylor and Grandin will oblige, by hosting lighted processions.

The Grandin Annual Christmas parade starts at 5:30 p.m. Those entering should line up from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m., at the city hall.

Santa will be at the city hall to visit with children afterward.

The Naylor parade begins at 6 p.m., with line-up at 5:30 p.m., south of town at the baseball park.