Plenty for you and Santa to do this weekend

The only thing that could make Christmas better would be if it were moved up a few days.
While the folks at the calendar companies would object, I’ll bet most of the rest of us wouldn’t mind.
In the spirit of the season, many area communities are showcasing their holiday best this weekend.
I’ve made a list and checked it twice, so if you don’t see your town, I’m more naughty than nice.
Get in the sleigh because here we go:

Hannibal
Downtown Hannibal has a host of holiday favorites Saturday.
First off, Santa will visit the Star Theater from 2 to 5 p.m.
The free event will include cookies and milk, photos with the Claus, cartoons, skits and gifts for kids. The Hannibal-LaGrange College Children’s Choir will perform.
A Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher autograph party is from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Mark Twain Museum, 120 N. Main. Kids who portrayed the two characters in 2007-08 will sign their new book.
Ice sculptures will be on display starting at 4 p.m. Windows of shops along Main Street will come alive at 5.
The Hannibal Jaycees’ “A Toyland Christmas” parade begins at 6 p.m. on the Save-a-Lot parking lot on Grand and travels Broadway to Main and Main to North Street.
A tree-lighting ceremony will follow the parade at the corner of Main and Hill, with the Hannibal High School brass quintet playing yuletide tunes.
A Christmas caroling contest, sponsored by the Historical Hannibal Marketing Council, is from 5 to 7 p.m. and local church choirs will offer Christmas favorites.
Santa’s workshop will be open from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Hannibal Convention and Visitors Bureau’s downtown office next to Breadeaux Pizza at Main and Center.
Things will wrap up at 8 p.m. with a lighting ceremony at Clemens Field.

Perry
Perry is sure to please with its Old Fashion Christmas on Saturday.
The VFW Hall and the downtown area will be the center of attention.
A bake sale and silent auction get things started at 9 a.m. The Perry Chamber of Commerce is serving lunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The parade is at 11 a.m., with photos with Santa immediately following at City Hall.
A remembrance tree ceremony is set for 5 p.m. in the 100 block of East Main. The VFW is serving chili from 4 to 6.
A Christmas lighting contest for businesses and homes also is planned.

Monroe City
“Candy Cane Christmas” is the theme of this year’s Christmas parade.
The event, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, is at 1 p.m. Saturday. Lineup begins at noon on Second Street.
Entries will go west on U.S. 24/36, then south on Main to Santa’s House.
St. Nick will visit with kids and float winners will be announced after the parade.

Paris
The Paris Area Chamber of Commerce has a wealth of fun in store Saturday.
Previously, the town spread out its holiday events, but this year everything’s conveniently on one day.
Best of all, proceeds will benefit the “Christmas is Caring” campaign to help needy families in Monroe County.
Events get going with the PTSA Breakfast With Santa from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Senior Center. A soup luncheon with a silent auction will be held there from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
There will be caroling at the Monroe County Courthouse, a kids’ craft fair at Sarah’s Beauty Shop and many businesses will offer extended hours and special promotions.
Oh, and you won’t want to miss the parade at 5 p.m. The theme is “A Small Town Christmas,” and prizes will be awarded to winning floats.
A large display of Christmas lights will be featured, courtesy of Signature Masonry.

Shelbina
If you’re going to have blast, why not do it all day?
The Shelbina Chamber of Commerce and other groups have a host of events planned for Saturday.
Things get underway with the South Shelby FCCLA Breakfast with Santa from 8 to 10 a.m. at the high school.
The Shelbina Arts Council is hosting a bake sale at the Life Skills Center. There will also be a Pampered Chef fund-raiser and a book sale there.
The Knights of Columbus host a toy show at the Father Buhman Center at 103 S. Fourth.
Christmas in the Park gets underway with the lighting of the Library Park Christmas tree at 6 p.m.
Revelers can keep toasty with hot chocolate and enjoy carriage rides through the streets.
Many businesses will be open for extended hours. There also will be window-decorating and home-decorating contests.

Clarksville
Want a fresh-cut tree or a new wreath?
Head to Clarksville for an Old-Fashion Hometown Christmas from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday.
There’ll also be hayrides, bonfires, roasted chestnuts, a taffy pull, Christmas caroling and much more.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will hear children’s wishes at City Hall. Many artisans and merchants also will be open.

Hawk Point
The Hawk Point Chamber of Commerce knows how to help Santa and local people in need.
The annual Community Christmas Party starts at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Lions Club building.
The Claus will be there to pick up children’s wish lists, but parents are encouraged to also bring along a canned food item.

Canton
A two-week celebration called Hometown Holiday gets going on Saturday.
Santa and his elves will arrive by fire truck at the Canton Library at 4 p.m.
The tree-lighting in Central Park is scheduled for 5, with a screening of the classic movie “White Christmas” at 8:30 at the Lewis Street Playhouse.

Ewing
The Ewing Park Committee hosts its annual Winterfest and Craft Show on Saturday.
The event is from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Queen of Peace Parish Hall.
Vendors will offer a variety of crafts and wares. Food service begins at 11 a.m. and will feature ham and beans, cornbread, sloppy joes, chips and more. Free will donations will be accepted.
Santa Claus will be available from 1 to 3 p.m. to visit with youngsters. There will also be a free Kids’ Craft Corner where children can make ornaments or small gifts to take home.
Proceeds will benefit Ewing Community Park.

LaBelle
Christmas in LaBelle offers a little something for everyone Saturday.
The Depot Country Store opens at 10 a.m. and there’s a soup supper at the Senior Center starting at 4:30 p.m.
The big event will be the Lighted Christmas Parade, which starts at 6 p.m. at the old school.
Santa is scheduled to arrive shortly after the parade ends.

Louisiana
Get your hallelujahs ready.
The Raintree Arts Council is hosting its 26th annual participatory Messiah Sing.
The event is at 3 p.m. Sunday at First Presbyterian Church, 121 S. Eighth in Louisiana.
Musicians will be singing the parts of Handel’s oratorio “The Messiah” that relate to the birth of Jesus Christ.
There is no admission charge and you’re welcome to add your voice to the chorus. Just be there by 2:15.
Dr. Phyllis Robertson of Truman State University will direct the performance.

Other activities
Here are a few other things going on this coming weekend:
• The Trail of Lights Christmas display continues daily from 6 to 9 p.m. at Mark Twain Cave & Campground in Hannibal.
• The Troy Community Band is hosting its annual Sing-A-Long at 6 p.m. Saturday in Bonfils Auditorium.
• The Miss Hannibal Pageant is Saturday in the high school auditorium.
• Quincy Community Theatre presents “The Sound of Music” at 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.
• The Barry United Methodist Women will have a candy and cookie sale from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Barry First National Bank.
• The Pike County 4-H Foundation Christmas Craft Show is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Farm Bureau in Pittsfield.

Antlers up
Haven’t had enough of Christmas yet?
Good, because Quincy, Palmyra and Foley are among the places that got it going on next weekend.
Check back next Saturday and I’ll fill your stocking.