This weekend’s Christmas on Main Street event begins Friday in Linn and organizers are excited about the third installment of the city-wide festival.

“The community of Linn has really embraced this annual event with decorations, sponsorships, hosting of events and spreading the word to friends and family,” said Christmas on Main Street Committee Co-Chair Shelley Klebba. “We look forward to another great three-day event. Events as such bring out the community in a positive way.”

She added, “Our committee each year tries to build on the previous year to keep things fresh and fun.”

New to the event this year is Breakfast with Santa on Saturday from 8-10 a.m. at Legends Bank Park, and while the mule-drawn wagon rides have been canceled, pony rides for children put on by Jost Horse Company will be held instead from 3-5 on Saturday. There is no charge for this event.

“There is definitely something for everyone – from the young to the young at heart,” said Klebba.

Also new this year is the first-ever Gifts Galore raffle benefitting the Linn Christmas on Main Street. Tickets are available at Legends Bank (main bank), Mid America Bank, City Hall/Fee Office and Main Street Pizza for $5 each or five for $20. Winners will be drawn Saturday night at the awards ceremony.

On Friday, the first event begins at 4 p.m. with a tour of local homes. Tickets can be purchased at Main Street Pizza for $10 each. The tour will also be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

Locally decorated gingerbread houses will be located in the Osage County Courthouse Annex Building. Sponsored by Frontline Printing, you can vote for your favorite from 4:30-7.

Last year’s big draw was the pair of reindeers, which once again will be on the Square Friday from 4:30-6:30. There will be reindeer games from 4:30-7 and vendors will offer food, beverages, fresh wreaths, and glow candy canes from 4:30-8.

AHA Photography will be capturing seasonal family festive photos at Legends Bank Park from 5-7, with carolers singing at the park from 6-7, leading into the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, which officially kicks off the Christmas on Main Street three-day event.

There’s plenty to see around town on Saturday, including local artwork on display at the Osage County Library from 9-11, and Christmas trees and antique toys at the Osage County Cultural Heritage Center. The historic Zewicki House has also been decorated for the holidays.

Ahead of the Linn Lions Christmas Parade, a warming station will be located behind Old School Antique Mall at Barefoot Storage, where coffee, hot cocoa and cookies will be available by Busy Bean. Osage County Anti-Drug Community Action Team (OC-ADCAT) will be providing a photo booth.

This year’s parade with a “Winter Wonderland” theme begins at 2 p.m. and will include marching bands, floats, horses, and classic cars/vehicles. UD Editor Neal A. Johnson will serve as the grand marshal.

After his duties in the parade, Santa will be at the Osage County Cultural Heritage Center from 3-5. Stop by to take a photo with St. Nick.

There will be reindeer games from 4:30-7 and vendors will offer food and beverages from 4:30-8 on the Square. Cassie Twehus Music will be providing musical entertainment in the gazebo at Legends Bank Park from 5-7.

Linn Lions Club is hosting the annual Christmas on Main Street Awards Ceremony in Legends Bank Park at 6 p.m. Parade winners, home tour recognition, scavenger hunt winners, raffle winners, and gingerbread decorating contest winners will be recognized.

Saturday’s final event will be a telling of the Christmas Story through music and lights every 15 minutes at First Baptist Church in Linn from 7-9.

Sunday’s events will include a selection of nativity set displays at both St. George Catholic Church and St. John’s United Methodist Church.

A Night in Bethlehem is the finale of Christmas on Main Street and is hosted by Community Christian Church, where families can wander through the bustling Bethlehem marketplace and discover what life was like when Jesus was born. 

Klebba noted her appreciation to businesses that help make this event a success. “Thank you for all our sponsors,” she said. “Their contributions help keep this event free of charge for all to enjoy.”

For the latest, check out www.linncoms.com for the event schedule.