LINN — From Friday through Sunday, Linn’s Christmas on Main Street will feature a “Christmas Around the World” theme to celebrate the event’s seventh year.

“As always, this event brings the community out to kick off the Christmas season together,” said committee co-chair Shelley Klebba, who shares the role with Kelly Frank. “Each day offers something for everyone!”

Klebba and Frank noted that because of generous local sponsors, all event activities are free to the public, with the exception of the Osage County Agritourism Council’s church tour, which is reasonably priced for what is being offered.

One of the more interesting aspects of this year’s event is the theme-based activity on Friday, Dec. 12, from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

“Friday night’s World Walk with various Santas placed within nine downtown businesses offers children an opportunity to learn about holiday traditions within the countries represented,” said Klebba. “It is always the hope to offer not only entertainment over the three-day weekend but also a bit of education.”

Visit the Passport Table in Legends Bank Park before departing on your walk, and have your passport stamped at each “country” along the way.

Here are the stops:

Italy – Muenks Insurance Agency (105 W. Main Street)

Japan – Legends Bank (200 E. Main Street)

Ireland – Mike McDaniel Insurance Agency (204 E. Main Street)

Spain – Osage County Abstract & Title Co. (206 E. Main Street)

Switzerland – Unterrified Democrat (300 E. Main Street)

Germany – Osage County Historical Society (402 E. Main Street)

Jamaica – Mid America Bank (502 E. Main Street)

England – The Linn City Thrift (602 E. Main Street)

USA –Wild Orchid (301 E. Main Street)

On Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., enjoy visiting five beautifully decorated country churches on the Osage County Agritourism Council’s Christmas Country Church and Cookie Trail Tour. The cost is $65 per person and includes a meal and transportation.

The tour will depart from Community Christian Church at 8:30 a.m., and make stops at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rich Fountain, Pilot Knob Baptist Church in rural Belle, Mt. Zion Baptist Church in rural Osage County, and end at Evangel St. Paul’s Church in Cooper Hill before returning to Linn.

Visit www.visitosagecounty.com to reserve your spot or pick up a form at either Legends Bank or Mid America Bank within Osage County. The tour is limited to the first 55 people.

Starting at 4:30 in Legends Bank Park, local vendors and businesses will have snacks, meals, and drinks available for purchase. Nitelyfe owner Nick Robinson will provide background music as clowns juggle and perform magic tricks.

Also, from 4 to 6:30, check out the Gingerbread decorating contest entries at the Unterrified Democrat office.

Rule changes implemented last year are designed to make it easier for people to participate.

A third group (teen, adult, family, group) has been added that will allow gingerbread houses to be constructed of graham crackers.

Group 1 - children 13 and under only - construction can be baked or a purchased gingerbread house kit.

Group 2 - teen, adult, family, group - must be constructed of baked gingerbread.

Group 3 - teen, adult, family/group - must be constructed of graham crackers.

A grand prize will be presented to the winners in each division.

There is no cost to enter, but all entries must be made in 2025.

All artwork must have major components, including a roof and walls, and royal icing only (no buttercream, fondants, or printed icings).

Entries must be original, and remember, no gingerbread kits are allowed for those in group 2.

All entry displays except the base must be made of edible materials. Entries must be constructed mainly of gingerbread or graham crackers and icing; unwrapped candy, cookies, crackers, cereals, pastas, and any other food items may also be used. Entries may include lollipops without the paper or plastic stems. Non-perishable food items may not be used. Gingerbread artwork is not limited to houses, so be creative.

All entries must be on a wooden or heavy cardboard base no larger than 18 inches by 18 inches. Entries may have battery-operated lighting, and each should have a name.

Participants are reminded to include their name and age/category next to their entry.

Drop off gingerbread houses from 3-7 p.m. on Dec. 11 at the UD office at 300 E. Main.

Entries will be displayed from 4-6:30 on Dec. 12, and visitors will vote for their favorite. Winners will be contacted on Dec. 13 and need not be present to win.

Participants need to pick up their gingerbread house on Monday, Dec. 15, between 8 and 4. Entries not picked up by 4:30 will be discarded.

Please call 573-897-3150 with questions.

People of all ages can take time from 4:30-6:30 to check out the Piles Ranch Christmas Petting Zoo. “This was something just a little different to offer as an attraction on the Square on Friday night,” said Klebba. “In searching the internet, we felt they were a perfect fit for Legends Bank Park and Square.”

From 5-7, kids can join in a family-friendly snowball fight on the Town Square or take a free horse ride across from the Cultural Heritage Center (402 E. Main St). The rides will be provided by Healing Horses Therapeutic Riding Program.

At the same time, Cassie Twehus returns to entertain with live seasonal music at the Legends Bank Gazebo from 5-7.

Carolers will sing at Legends Bank Park from 6-6:30.

Linn First Church will hold a Ladies’ Christmas Tea at its facility on Hwy. 50 East at 6:30. For the third year, Pastors Matt and Roxie Lee will provide a faith-filled dinner and music.

The Christmas tree-lighting ceremony will feature comments from Mayor Dwight Massey at 7 p.m. at Legends Bank Park.

Saturday starts with Breakfast with Santa, sponsored by Linn Thriftway, from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Osage County Library. Thriftway will provide donuts, and library staff will have pre-assembled gift bags for kids.

From 9-1, the Christmas on Main Street Committee is hosting the fourth annual “Tis’ the Season” market vendor show at St. George Catholic School. Please remember those less fortunate and donate via the decorated jar in the lobby. All collections in the jar will be presented to the Good Shepherd Food Pantry in Linn.

From noon to 8 p.m., Osage Chic Boutique will provide a photo booth in the lobby area of Barefoot Storage.

Parade entrants will line up on Lee Street from 12:30-1:45. Classic vehicles are to line up on the north side of Hwy. 50 starting at 1:30 p.m. This year’s parade, with a “Christmas Around the World” theme, starts at 2 p.m. and will include marching bands, floats, horses, and classic cars/vehicles. No registration is necessary.

Mayor Massey will serve as this year’s grand marshal.

“It was a humbling moment to be asked,” said Massey. “It has always been fun to attend and participate in the parades of the community! To see the people from all around come together and have fun together has often been a highlight of each year as we celebrate the holidays together. I’ve thought many times about the job of the grand marshal and how they were celebrated for the contributions they made to the community, so to be asked was indeed an honor.”

Dwight and his wife, Karen, moved to Linn in 1996 and fell in love with the town and its residents. “I was fortunate to get to know some of the people who worked with the city at that time,” he said. “I had occasion to visit with them about different issues and thought I might get involved someday.”

That day came in 2004, when Massey was asked to serve as an alderman to succeed an alderman who was moving out of the ward. Massey served just under four years as an alderman for the north side and was asked to step in as mayor in 2008. “Since that time, it has been a privilege to work for the city of Linn and the residents,” said Massey. “I have not done everything right in my tenure here, but I have tried. I hope that I have been able to improve the town and get it on the right path for future growth! Thank you to everyone in the community who has supported my efforts and those of the city of Linn. Hopefully, we all can have a safe and happy holiday season together!”

Linn Fire Protection District personnel will collect non-perishable food items or money for the local Good Shepherd Food Pantry as they travel through town in the parade.

St. John’s United Methodist Church will host a Children’s Christmas Program at the worship service on Sunday at 10:30 a.m., with a potluck lunch to follow. All are welcome!

Nativity sets will be on display at St. George Catholic Church from 1-3.

State Tech’s Osage View is offering a complimentary showing of “Merry Madagascar” at 2 p.m. However, you must pick up your ticket on Friday night at the Legends Bank Park welcome table, starting at 5 p.m. There are just 53 tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis. The theater is located at Osage View on CR 605.

At 6 p.m., First Baptist Church in Linn will be holding a worship service that is open to the public.

Also at that time, Pilot Knob Baptist Church, located at 491 CR 716 in Belle, will host a Youth Christmas Program. Light refreshments will be served, with fellowship following.

For a full event schedule, pick up a flyer around town in local Linn businesses or follow Christmas on Main Street on Facebook.

Santa ($500) sponsors are Edward Jones Financial Advisor Kurt Baker, Haviland Corporation, Legends Bank, Linn Lions Club, Linn Printing Inc., Mid America Bank, Mike McDaniel Agency - American Family Insurance, Osage Ambulance, and Osage County Abstract & Title Co.

Mrs. Claus ($250) sponsors are BAND Properties LLC, Core Family Dentistry LLC, Gratz Real Estate & Auctioneering, Horton Auto Sales, LLC, Linn First Assembly of God, Morton Chapel, MOX Properties, LLC, and the Osage County Health Department.

Rudolph ($100) sponsors are Casper’s 66 LLC, DJ’s Repair Service LLC, Hackmann Trenching & Backhoe, LLC, Parts City Auto Parts (Linn Auto Parts), Linn Fire Protection District, Muenks Insurance Agency, Osage Community Players, Inc., Shelter Insurance - Jeff Wolfe, Symbols of Success Trophies and Awards, Three Rivers Electric Cooperative and Warden Publishing Company, Inc.

Elf ($50) sponsors are Aplex, Inc., Elliott Chiropractic Health Clinic – Dr. Shawn Elliott, Massman’s Florist & Gifts, Osage Accounting & Tax Service LLC, and Osage County Agritourism Council.