Marion is ready for holiday shopping season
The Marion holiday shopping season will kick off Friday. Businesses will be decked out in holiday finery and many will have special promotions and sales.
Movement Connection at 404 E. Main, Marion, will offer day-care from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. so parents can spend the day shopping, decorating, or cleaning up the Thanksgiving mess. The cost is $2.50 per hour or $25 for the day. Children will be taken to see Santa Claus.
Santa Claus will make his first appearance from 1 to 3 p.m. that day at his house in the vacant lot between Duckwall's and Suffield's. He also will be available from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday.
Nulmage Photography will be on hand to immortalize youngsters with the jolly old elf.
"Once Upon A Chirstmastime" is the them for this year's home tours, which will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Four local homes will be decorated for the yule-tide season and open to the public.
Homes on the tour are Craig and Diana Dodd, 115 Elm; Scott and Laurie Miesse, 2251 U.S.-56; Rodney and Diane Richmond, 515 S. Lincoln; and Brice and Valerie Goebel, 706 E. Lawrence.
Refreshments will be served at Marion City Library.
Tickets are $5 each and available at the library or at the homes on Sunday.
A tree-decorating contest will begin Dec. 3. Twenty Marion businesses will have Christmas trees decorated with ornaments made by Marion Elementary School classes.
People are encouraged to vote for their favorite tree at each business. Votes are a penny each and proceeds will benefit Community Christmas.
Marion High School band and chorus members will play Christmas carols from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 10 and 17 in the downtown area.
Santa will make another appearance at his house from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 17.
Other activities throughout the Christmas season are being planned.
