Christmas Card Town offering a flurry of activity
By Heather Ruenz
Elkhorn is referred to as Christmas Card Town for good reason. From the tree lighting and parade to a special Christmas Day meal, there is plenty going on to entertain the entire family and kids of all ages.
The holiday officially kicks off this week with the annual tree lighting at 6:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 6 in downtown Elkhorn at Veterans Park, 100 W. Walworth St. After the tree is lit, cookies and hot cocoa with Santa will follow at Matheson Memorial Library.
Sponsors for the tree lighting and Santa reception are Advia Credit Union, Matheson Memorial Library and the Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce.
Bundle up the family and grab a spot downtown to watch the 38th Annual Christmas Card Town Parade. It will make its way through the city beginning at 1:30 p.m., Saturday Dec. 7. After leaving the fairgrounds, the parade route heads to Wisconsin Street and then south.
Touted as one of the largest holiday parades in the area, onlookers can be prepared to see – and hear – a lot of holiday cheer via decorated floats, novelty acts, music, animals and of course, a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus.
New to Elkhorn this year will be Santa on the Square events in downtown Elkhorn. It’ll offer ample opportunities to deliver wish lists to Santa and grab a photo with him on the following dates and times: Friday, Dec. 13 from 5 to 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14 and 15, from 1 to 3 p.m., and again the following weekend – Friday, Dec. 20, 5 to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 21 and 22, from 1 to 3 p.m.
“Make sure that Santa has your wish list this year and double check that you are on the nice list when you see him,” one of Santa’s helpers advised.
Finally, in perhaps the most meaningful of events held in Elkhorn, is the annual Christmas Community Meal held on Christmas Day.
“It’s for all to enjoy. All of the guests that attend will not only be served a meal, and enjoy time with friends and family, but will leave with a small gift,” according to chamber staff.
The meal will be served between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. and deliveries are available.
In addition to on-site volunteers to help serve, deliver, cleanup and so on, volunteers are also needed make desserts for the meal. Those wishing to donate desserts are asked to contact the chamber and arrange a time for drop off.
The chamber is accepting donations of new hats, mittens, gloves, socks and scarves for care packages for guests that attend. Those items can be dropped off at the chamber office by Friday, Dec. 13.
The Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce is at 203 E. Walworth St.
To RSVP for the meal or to request a delivery, or sign up to volunteer or make a dessert donation, call the chamber at 262-723-5788 or send an email to jessica@elkhornchamber.com.
