The Carmi Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce plans are well underway for the 2016 “It’s a White County Christmas” celebration. This year’s theme is “A Bicentennial Christmas.”
Chamber Executive Director Holly Healy noted the celebration schedule is still tentative with events still being added. Organizations wishing to add an event to the schedule should contact the Chamber office at 382-7606.
It’s a White County Christmas will kick-off on November 12 with the Reindeer Run at 9 am taking off from First Bank. Following the Reindeer Run, the Miss Merry Christmas Pageant will be held. The Baby and Toddler Miss will be at 1pm; while the Little Miss, Junior Miss and Miss Contestants will take stage at 6:30 pm at Carmi White County High School Auditorium.
The Southeastern Illinois Pastoral Counseling Center will hold a Fall Benefit Concert on November 13 at 3pm at First United Methodist Church in Carmi.
The Carmi White County High School Drama Department will present the play, Peter Pan, November 18 and 19 at 7:30pm and November 20 at 2:30pm in the high school auditorium.
November 18 begins the Holiday Shopping Stroll. Again this year individual merchants will run their own promotions during the Holiday Shopping Stroll. The stroll will continue on November 19 and again on November 25 and Small Business Saturday on November 26. “The shopping strolls serves as a reminder to local residents about all the goods and services available in Carmi. We urge you to use this opportunity to shop Carmi first,” noted Healy.
November 26 will be filled with activity. In addition to the Shopping Stroll, there will be a craft and vendor fair from 9am – 3pm at Washington Attendance Center. The City of Carmi, in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce, will host a showing of The Polar Express movie in the old college building owned by the Carmi Elks Lodge at 1pm. There is no admission fee. The highlight of the day will be the lighted Christmas parade, welcoming Santa to Carmi at 6pm. The Tree Lighting will immediately follow the parade. Santa will be in his house to visit with the children following the Tree Lighting until 9pm.
Bethlehem Revisited, featuring guided tours of the village, will be presented by First Christian Church December 2 from 6-8:30 pm, December 3 from 4:30-8:30pm at December 4 from 4:30-8pm.
Emmanuel United Methodist Church will once again host their Annual Cookie Sale on December 3. On December 5, Emmanuel United Methodist Church will also hold a Christmas Gala with dinner and entertainment for the ladies, who will be served by the men. Those interested in attending the event at a cost of $15 per person should contact Nancy J. Winter at 384-9741.
A second craft and vendor show will be held December 10 at the Floral Hall. Those wishing to participate in either of the craft and vendor shows should contact Kendra Carter at (618) 926-3888.
A Christmas themed Story Hour will be held at the Carmi Public Library on December 10 at 1pm. Santa will once again be a special guest during the story hour.
On December 17, Cinnamon Rolls with Santa will be held at the Carmi Lions Club Den from 8-10am. Admission is $2 per person.
On December 18, the Carmi League of Arts plans to present the Holly Jolly Follies at the Carmi White County High School Auditorium at 2:30 pm.
Again this year, Santa will visit with children in his house near Veteran’s Park in Carmi on the following dates and times: November 27, December 3, 4, 10, 11 and 17 from 2-5pm. December 18, 20 and 22, Santa will visit with children in his house from 6-9pm.
“Once again, we are looking forward to a successful It’s a White County Christmas celebration. Be sure and visit whitecountychristmas.com and follow It’s a White County Christmas on Facebook for the latest schedule updates,” noted Healy.
