LINN  — From Friday through Sunday, Linn’s Christmas on Main Street will feature “A Storybook Christmas” theme to celebrate the event’s fifth year.

Christmas on Main Street Committee Co-Chair Shelley Klebba said the event is special because it’s now the fifth annual. “Mary Ann Gelven and I drew up the initial details of this event six years ago and then formed a planning committee to help us live out our plans,” said Klebba of the Main Street Committee Co-Chair. “It was, and still is, our intention that this event be an annual City of Linn Christmas event free for families.”

With activities spread out all over Linn, there’s plenty to see. “It’s always a fun time and definitely puts everyone in the Christmas spirit,” said Klebba. “Amongst the three days, there is something for everyone. With the generosity of our local business sponsors, we are able to keep it free, with one exception being the nominal charge for the home tours.”

Friday’s first event begins at 4:30 p.m. with a tour of local homes owned by Jeff and Leslie Wolfe, Perry and Naomi Klouzek, and Randy and Emma Williams. Those interested may purchase tickets at Main Street Pizza for $10 each. The tour will also be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

Starting at 4:30 in Legends Bank Park, local vendors/businesses will have snacks, meals, and drinks available for purchase.

From 4:30-6:45, marvel at the Christmas trees and antique toys on display at the Osage County Cultural Heritage Center and the Zewicki House.

Check out gingerbread houses decorated by local artistic bakers and vote for your favorite from 4-7:30 p.m. at the Unterrified Democrat, which sponsored the event.

New this year, “A Storybook Trail” in the downtown area will make books come alive. The committee incorporated a “Storybook Trail” on Friday night to coincide with this year’s “A Story Book Christmas” theme. 

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

Pick up a map at the Legends Bank welcome table on Friday evening. Gelven secured two boxes of books donated by Scholastic, which will be available at the Cultural Heritage Center for kids to choose from. If any are left, they will be taken to the Breakfast with Santa as an extra gift.

Cassie Twehus will entertain with live seasonal music in the Legends Bank Park Gazebo from 5-7. Local carolers will join in the festivities between 6 and 6:30, leading to the Christmas Tree-Lighting Ceremony to officially kick off the three-day Christmas on Main Street event.

New this year, at 6:30 on Friday, Linn First Church will offer a Ladies’ Christmas Tea at the new facility on Hwy. 50 east of Linn. Ladies are invited to join pastors Matt and Roxie Lee for a faith-filled dinner, including music and prize giveaways.

For children, from 5-7, there will be free pony rides provided by Jost Horse Company (sponsored by Main Street Pizza) and the annual snowball fight in the gravel lot adjacent to Legends Bank Park.

From 7:30-9:30, enjoy the Christmas Story through music and lights at First Baptist Church in Linn. The story is told every 30 minutes, at 7:30, 8, 8:30, and 9.

Saturday starts with Breakfast with Santa, sponsored by Linn Thriftway, from 8-10 a.m. at the Osage County Library. Thriftway will provide donuts, and library staff has already assembled 150 gift bags for kids.

The Osage County Cultural Heritage Center and historic Zewicki House will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Also from 9-2, the Christmas on Main Street Committee is hosting the second 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., the Osage County Anti-Drug Community Action Team (OC-ADCAT) will provide a photo booth in the lobby of Barefoot Storage.

At 12:30, entrants will begin lining up on Lee Street for the parade with “A Storybook Christmas” theme. This year’s parade starts at 2 p.m. and will include marching bands, floats, horses, and classic cars/vehicles. Entrants may begin lining up at 12:30 p.m., and no registration is necessary. Classic vehicles are to line up on the north side of Hwy. 50.

David and Linda Krueger are this year’s Grand Marshals. David recently retired from his pastoral position at First Baptist Church, and Linda is a retired music teacher.

Nativity sets will be on display on Sunday at St. John’s Methodist Church from 1-3 and at St. George Catholic Church from 1-5 p.m.

On Sunday, State Tech’s Osage View is offering a complimentary showing of “The Polar Express,” but you must pick up your ticket 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.

Also new this year, local churches are offering a Traveling Christmas Program on Sunday from 4-6. Details will be available at the Legends Bank Park welcome table Friday night.

For a full event schedule, visit www.linncoms.com or pick up a flyer in and around Linn businesses. Follow the Christmas on Main Street Committee on Facebook for updates.