Guests were also able to place special orders for people on their Christmas list. Vendors included products by Scentsy, Pampered Chef, Tastefully Simple, Norwex, Scrapbooking materials, Lonaberger handmade baskets, Daisy Blue skin care products, Tupperware, Usborne books, Mary Kay cosmetics, Diva Girl purses, handmade fleece pillowcases, candles, and Johnson’s hand-painted glass.
"Christmas in the Country is a place where you can find something for everyone," said Ruth Hagen, Diva Girl purse parties vendor of Geneva. "It's so well organized and a wonderful opportunity to socialize."
"Its great to see people who I haven't seen in years," said Trina Churchill, Mary Kay vendor. "And to do your last-minute shopping, or begin your shopping."
The Craft and Bazaar sale produced one-of-a-kind delights with H&S Candies, and Paula Burshem’s “Best Buns in Town.”
"The baked goods do well," said Paula Gebhart, who represented Pampered Chef. "We do too, but baked goods sell out fast."
Another eye-catcher was the Geneva Community Lutheran Church “Mission Monsters.” These cuddly critters help raise money for the youth mission trips. Geneva Community Lutheran also provided food for famished attendees with proceeds also designated for youth mission.
Kids Prize Bingo brought many children and parents to The Refuge at 2 p.m. in hopes of winning a prize to their liking. Brian and Jodi Wayne and Scott Groth were in charge of bingo, with 13 prizes donated by the Ellendale Commercial Club. The last "black out" game of the afternoon awarded a 7-inch DVD player to Brenna Arndt.
Although the elves were nowhere in sight, Jolly St. Nicholas walked the Ellendale community, handing out candy canes and Christmas greetings to passersby, making a guest appearance at the Refuge to the delight of all bingo players.
St. Aiden’s Catholic Church provided warm nourishment with their Soup Supper from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. They furnished pulled pork sandwiches, a variety of soups, and a vast array of homemade bars.
"We served over 80 people already," said Jim Misgen.
"We've sold out on several different soups," added JoAnn Misgen.
There were specials and treats in many of the local stores, including Cheryl Johnson’s Downtown Hair Design, Lerberg Foods, Lerberg Fitness Center, Country Crafts, Chloe’s Corner and Floors 4-U.
Perhaps the two Belgian horses — Rose and Roxie, owned by father-and-son team Doug and Josh Grunzke of Wells — trotting down the sloping city streets carrying attendees in the horse-drawn wagon was icing on the cake for making Christmas in the Country look a lot like Christmas.
Star Eagle Staff Writer Kathy Paulsen also contributed to this article
