Holiday events will start this week for Eudora residents to get into the festive spirit.
The annual mayor’s tree lighting will have a slew of activities around it Saturday, with the holiday market going on beforehand. This year, the event will be bigger than it’s ever been.
The tradition of lighting the tree has been a longstanding tradition through the last 25 years, although there have been some off and on times through the years, Mayor Tim Reazin said.
The city is collaborating with the Convention and Visitors Bureau and Chamber of Commerce to bring a mini Market on Main-style event to the Community Centergym with other activities for kids.
Since Trunk or Treat was canceled this year, the Chamber is joining in to help grow this event and tradition, CVB President Jason Musick said.
From noon to 6 p.m., attendees can shop around 50 vendors at the market inside the rec gym. Many will be similar to those vendors at the market on Main Street. The monthly markets helped build their brand and helped make this holiday event bigger, Musick said.
This year, there will be inflatables for kids, along with a train driven by the Grinch along the Lucy Kaegi trail around the ballfields. Both will be free for families and run from noon to 6 p.m.
Kids can also make ornaments inside the Community Center and take photos with Santa from 3 to 6 p.m.
Families can also enjoy food trucks for the duration of the event. Live music by the Green Shoebox Band will start at 3 p.m. Musick said there may also be EDM-style holiday music from noon to 3 p.m.
Since the event also falls on Small Business Saturday, the Chamber will do a giveaway for surprise stockings if customers spend at least $50 at the market. It’ll be something to encourage people to shop local and support the vendors, Musick said.
Reazin will flip the Christmas tree’s lights around 6:30 p.m. in the outfield close to K-10.
“I think the biggest thing for me is that we can create more family traditions in Eudora, so I think that’s the big thing,” Musick said. “Really the goal is to kind of keep people in our communities spending money in our community, but more importantly creating that tradition.”
Other holiday events coming up:
Evening Star Pines will open Black Friday and then be open weekends 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This year the fields have scotch, white pine and spruce.
The farm will also have fresh decorated wreaths for purchase. The farm has staff that helps cut down trees before placing them on your car. They accept cash and check only. The farm is at 9820 Evening Star Road in Eudora.
The Eudora Lions Club has angel tree ornaments to pick off a tree at Main Street Scoops and Sweets, Zeb’s Coffeehouse and Gene’s Heartland Foods.
Feeding Eudora will host an event to partner with the Chamber of Commerce to serve cinnamon rolls and chili at the rec center community room from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday
Feeding Eudora is also expanding to have a winter break dinner from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 20 at the Community Center. Feeding Eudora is partnering with Eudora Lions Club for their Angel Tree program. To keep families anonymous, they will be delivering the gifts to families in another room.
The Eudora Times is also partnering with Zeb’s from 6-8 p.m. Nov. 30 for a cookie-tasting contest. Local bakers will bring their favorite holiday cookies for the contest. This is a fundraiser for the Times so bring cash to vote for your favorite cookie.
The Times will also hand out free cookbooks with the recipes for those who donate. Santa will also be present. This event is part of a bigger downtown holiday walkaround.
Parks and Rec will also have its annual hayrides starting Dec. 5. There will be two 30-minute rides at 6 and 6:45 p.m every Tuesday and Thursday until Dec. 21.Rides will leave from the Community Center. Riders will get to see holiday lights in town.
To register click here or in person at the Community Center. No group registrations are allowed. Individuals must register themselves.
Reach reporter Sara Maloney at [email protected].
