By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
Residents of Ellendale are being encouraged to get in the Christmas spirit this year starting by decorating their homes and yards into winter wonderlands. It has been suggested that they use nativity sets, lights, decorated trees, snow sculptures, or whatever they want to help make this Christmas extra special “in the country.”
Residents will be able to cast their vote for favorite place by Dec. 9. Prizes will be awarded on Dec. 10 to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd-place winners.
Ellendale’s annual Christmas in the Country event will take place Dec. 10. Many local businesses will be decorating for Christmas and hope that people will stop and visit. Lerberg’s Foods, which has been serving the community of Ellendale for over 115 years, is looking forward to another special Day in the Country. Lerberg’s Fitness Center will celebrate its 13th Anniversary that afternoon and will have refreshments to enjoy from 1-5. People are encouraged to register for memberships at the fitness center, as well as for Lerberg’s Car Wash tokens. Gift certificates to these fine establishments would make great Christmas gifts and will be available for purchase.
Steve’s Meat Market will be welcoming people to visit and see all their great products. Floors 4-U invites everyone to stop by for a “sweet treat” and the Ellendale Bar will be open for lunch specials.
A soup lunch will be available to enjoy from 11-2 at the Ellendale United Methodist Church, a Craft of the Country show and bazaar will be held at The Refuge from 12-4, and Cloe’s Attic be open from 12-4.
Whispering Oak is inviting people to join them and celebrate an old-fashioned Christmas. A Tour of Trees will be held from 1–4 along with refreshments and Christmas treats.
It has been confirmed that Santa Claus will attend. He plans to stop at the Ellendale Community Building about 3 to visit and share treats with the kids. Prior to his arrival the children will be able to participate in a cookie-decorating contest from noon until 2, and Santa Bingo will get underway at 2 in the City Council Chambers.
The Ellendale Community Action Group is sponsoring a winter coat clothing drive and people are encouraged to bring new or slightly used coats, snow pants, mittens and scarves to the Vibrant Life Assembly of God Church or Floors 4-U.
Christmas in the Country event will conclude at 5 during the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony downtown by the Ellendale mural.
All are welcome and encouraged to come and spend “Christmas in the Country” in Ellendale Saturday, Dec. 10.