LINN  — There’s something for everyone — including new events — at this weekend’s fourth annual Christmas on Main Street in Linn, which runs from Friday through Sunday.

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

One important aspect to note is that all Legends Bank Park activities will be held on Friday only. In addition to Show-Me Reindeer’s live reindeer from 5-7 p.m., free pony rides by Jost Horse Company (sponsored by Main Street Pizza) will be available at the same time near the Town Square for children.  

There will be reindeer games from 5-7 on Friday, and vendors will offer food and beverages starting at 4:30.

Friday’s 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.

From 4:30-6:30, marvel at the Christmas trees and antique toys on display at the Osage County Cultural Heritage Center. Trees this year were decorated by St. Aubert, Mint Hill, Judge, Meta, and Cooper Hill communities, and Osage Agritourism. Also, be sure to visit the historic Zewicki House, decorated for the holidays. 

Check out gingerbread houses decorated by local artistic bakers and vote for your favorite at the Unterrified Democrat. The event is sponsored by Frontline Printing and the UD. Vote for your favorite from 4-8.

“There have been some amazing creations, and we’re hoping for even more this year,” said Klebba.

Cassie Twehus will entertain with live seasonal music in the Legends Bank Park Gazebo 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.

Again this year, there will be a snowball fight area for the kids next to Legends Bank Park on Friday night. “This was a huge hit last year,” said Klebba.

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. 

Saturday kicks off with a Breakfast with Santa, sponsored by Linn Thriftway, from 8-10 a.m. at the Osage County Library.

From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., enjoy a self-guided Story Book Tour in the Woodland Art Gallery at the Osage County Library.  

The Osage County Cultural Heritage Center and historic Zewicki House will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Linn Community Betterment Association will host and sponsor a Tis’ The Season Market vendor show at St. George Catholic Church. Concessions will also be available, and all proceeds will go toward the purchase of new athletic uniforms.

The Christmas on Main Street Committee will have boxes outside the entry doors to the show to collect non-perishable food donations for those in need in the area.

A tour of local homes will be held from 10 a.m. to noon.

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 Serendipity Coffee & Tea.

Osage County Anti-Drug Community Action Team (OC-ADCAT) will provide a photo booth in the lobby of Barefoot Storage.

This year’s parade with a “Santa’s Workshop” theme begins at 2 p.m. and will include marching bands, floats, horses, and classic cars/vehicles. Tom and Betty Brandt will serve as the grand marshals.

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

Sunday’s events will include a selection of nativity set displays at St. George Catholic Church and St. John’s United Methodist Church, with the latter also featuring Christmas villages.

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 said that in addition to all the Christmas on Main Street events, there are several other planned fundraisers in the Linn area this weekend. To name a few are the Linn Middle School dance benefiting the Linn Wildcat Club Football and the Christmas Scavenger Hunt helping the Class of 2023 Linn High School Project Graduation. 

Check out the Christmas on Main Street Facebook page for daily posts, or visit www.linncoms.com.

Klebba expressed 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.”