Local Christmas activities to bring joy to holidays

An evening of wintry fun awaits young and old alike as the Slaton Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual Small Town Christmas Saturday (Dec. 7) from 6-9 p.m. on the Square, 9th and Garza streets.

Leslie Linker, Manager of the Chamber, said city staff and many volunteers throughout the community are participating. The event is also sponsored by Xcel Energy and the Slaton Economic Development Corporation.

There will be Christmas Trees, with the top six winners announced that night.

Each winner will have a donation made in their name to one of three local charities: Santa Red and Blue, Meals on Wheels or the Weekend Snack Sack program.

There will also be carriage rides, a live nativity, Santa Claus and train rides among other activities.

Food trucks will also be available, including Ricchezza’s Philly Cheesesteak, Dos Hermanas, Hanks Chicken, Blue Oasis, Pitforks and Smokerings, The Kettle Corn Guy and Caffeine Machine. They will be serving their food throughout the evening.

There will also be other fun and activities for everyone as well.

Performing will include Stephen F. Austin Primary at 6:15 p.m., Cathelene Thomas Elementary at 6:45 p.m. The Watchmen at 7 p.m. in the Gazebo, The Slaton Junior High and High School Choirs at 7:30 and the Slaton Junior High and High School Bands and Ensembles at 8 p.m.

McDougal Realtors will be hosting an open house at the old Chamber Building, located at 200 W. Garza St. It will be open for tours.

Centennial Bank will host an open house from 6-9 p.m. Dec. 7 during Small Town Christmas. They will be offering hot chocolate, coffee and treats made by the Slaton Bakery.

The Slaton Lions Club will be serving hot apple cider for guests as well.

Businesses around the Square will also be open.

The Slaton Harvey House will also be hosting Christmas activities, including the opportunity for children to visit Santa.

In addition to the Small Town Christmas, local businesses are also opening their doors for guests.

A Christmas musical “O Holy Night”  will be performed by two combined choirs Dec. 8 at 5 p.m. (See story page 2).

The Slaton Senior Citizens Center will host Breakfast with Santa Dec. 7 from 9-10:30 a.m. at First Baptist Activities Center.

Cost is $3 for children and $5 for adults for pancakes and sausage.

Children can also get their photo taken with Santa for $3.

The event is hosted by the Slaton Senior Citizens and will benefit Slaton Meals on Wheels.

Next week, Peoples Bank will host an Open House Dec. 13 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. There will be free pictures with Santa Dec. 14 from 9 a.m.-noon.