LINN  — Linn Mayor Dwight Massey encouraged togetherness before the tree-lighting ceremony to kick off this year’s Christmas on Main Street celebration.

“During this joy of the season, we need to come together, support our friends, family, neighbors, or people you may not have even thought of for years,” he said. “Stop by and say hello. It makes a great difference to them.”

Massey spoke to the crowd at the base of the Christmas tree and asked children to count down the lighting.

“This is one of those things that I consider a privilege and an honor to be able to come out and do with you guys every year,” he said after the tree glowed. “I cannot say thank you enough to the volunteers throughout our community who make these events happen so that each and every one of us can get together and have a good time. Have a safe, joyful celebration and the beginning of the Christmas season. Thank you for supporting the city of Linn, the community in Osage County, and all those around us.”

Before the tree-lighting ceremony, various activities included a performance by Cassie Twehus and caroling at the Legends Bank Park Gazebo, a snowball fight, pony rides, and vendors offering delectable items on the relatively warm evening.

“The weather this year contributed to the enjoyment of the weekend,” Christmas on Main Street Committee Co-Chair Shelley Klebba said. “Thank you to the community and local sponsors for continuing to grow this event each year. In March, we’ll start planning for 2024!”

New this year, the committee incorporated a “Storybook Trail” on Friday night to coincide with this year’s “A Story Book Christmas” theme. 

“The storybook reading was a lot of fun for the kids, and a number of the adults looked at our exhibit on Osage County post offices while the kids were being read to,” said Christmas on Main Street Committee Member Mary Ann Gelven. “I feel the Story Book Trail was a great success!  It dispersed people around town.”

The trail had five stops: Legends Bank, the Unterrified Democrat, the Osage County Cultural Heritage Center (including a petting zoo), Main Street Pizza, and Legends Bank Park.

Gelven said 236 people visited the Cultural Heritage Center Friday evening. In addition to it being a stop on the Story Book Trail, a petting zoo and other activities were held outside. “It was definitely the best we’ve seen in five years,” said Gelven.

Another new event this year was a Ladies’ Christmas Tea at the new Linn First Church facility on Hwy. 50, east of Linn. Pastors Matt and Roxie Lee presented a faith-filled dinner with music and prize giveaways to about 100 women.

“We had a wonderful turnout at the first Ladies Christmas tea to be held in our new building,” Roxie Lee said. “Close to 100 ladies showed up to enjoy an evening of great food, fellowship, a Christmas message, special music, and entertainment.”

Lee noted the tables were uniquely decorated with a different Christmas theme, and each setting included a small gift. “I have heard so many positive comments from those who attended, and I believe next year we will need a lot more tables,” she added.

Tours of homes owned by Jeff and Leslie Wolfe, Perry and Naomi Klouzek, and Randy and Emma Williams on Friday and Saturday attracted more than 150 people. “The tours went very well,” said Gelven, adding the committee appreciates these homeowners opening their residences to the public.

On Saturday morning, 258 people turned out for Breakfast with Santa, with 144 kids and 114 adults. Osage County Library Branch Manager Sarah Falter said she’s pleased with the engagement. Linn Thriftway sponsored the event and provided donuts.

“Breakfast with Santa was a huge success,” Gelven added.

Also, on Saturday, the Christmas on Main Street Committee hosted the second annual “Tis’ the Season” market vendor show at St. George Catholic School.

Organizer Stephanie Lewis said this year’s event included 58 vendors, 18 more than last year. She said the growth was mainly due to her knowledge of vendors, with more than half returning from last year.

“Others had conflicts but said they will be back,” said Lewis, in her first year leading the market show. “I wanted to have some new vendors with a good following, but that locals didn’t know. We had different, unique things.”

Last year’s event was handled by the Linn Community Betterment Association. “We took it over, and it’s gone very well,” said Lewis, noting that at 1 p.m., about 400 people had visited. “I appreciate everyone who helped.”

Lewis is already looking for vendors to fill the St. George Activity Center next year. “We could add four more vendors inside, but we may do stuff outside next year. I like to try different things to see what works.”

Lewis said there’s a long waiting list, and she plans to offer those who attended this year the first right of refusal.

Donations collected during the event were presented to the Good Shepherd Food Pantry for those in need.

Saturday’s events included what many called the best parade in a long time.

Parade Chairman Ron Hoffman said the lineup included several quality floats, classic or antique vehicles, businesses from other communities, the Linn Marching Band under the direction of Shawn Smith, and Grand Marshals David and Linda Krueger.

Award-winners this year were Linn Scouts (first), Zo Much Love Pet Spa & Salon (second), and Linn First Church (third).

Linn Fire Protection District personnel joined the parade in several trucks, one of which collected food and cash donations for the Good Shepherd Food Pantry. “We appreciate everyone who donated,” said Chief Hoffman.

The Sunday traveling church program was a great success, too, Gelven noted, with around 75 people going from First Baptist to St. George, St. John’s United Methodist, Community Christian, Solid Rock Baptist, and then Linn First. “It was a lot of fun,” said Gelven.

“It went well,” said Community Christian Pastor Tim Mitchell, who organized the event. “Attendance was good, and each church in our community hosted a portion. It really put me in the Christmas spirit.”

The gingerbread house contest display drew well over 150 visitors. There were a total of seven houses constructed from graham crackers and four houses from gingerbread house kits. There were 94 ballots cast.

Maggie Reinkemeyer’s “Christmas Tree Farm” won the gingerbread house kit category, and Karlee Cox won the graham cracker category  for “Teddy Bear Lodge.” 

Due to the fact there were no baked gingerbread houses, the third prize was given to the runner-up in the graham cracker category — “Baby Jesus in the Manger” by the Diana and Tim Mitchell family.