CALHOUN – Christmas celebration gathers at the riverfront
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Christmas carolers from the Calhoun Entertainment Company bring joy to the Christmas season by singing at the riverfront on Saturday, Dec.11 during the Christmas in Calhoun festival. Left to right in the front row are: Jerry Sievers, Bonnie Sievers, Sheri Elmore, Julie Godar, Alison Smittle, Back row: Bill Cox, Veronica Tepen and Craig Johnson. (Cynthia Haggitt/Calhoun News-Herald)
By Cynthia Haggitt
On Sunday, Dec. 11, many children and their families gathered on the riverfront to celebrate Calhoun’s biggest Christmas celebration yet. This community event was a perfect reason for everyone to come together and celebrate this Christmas. Although the weather was cool and mild for a December outing the festival featured a myriad of events beginning at 1 p.m. with all food, vendor and activity stands opening for business. The event, which was spearheaded by Lauren Eilerman, and it appeared well received by those who attended.
Local businesses and organizations provided ornament making, cookie decorating, Letters to Santa, face painting was available to kids and there were many resting grinch faces around the riverfront thanks to Joan Roache, Illinois Rural Electric was available to answer questions to anyone who was wanting to know more information for there internet services which was provided by Calhoun Fiber.
Some of the vendors who attended were Zyia – Shawna Eilerman, MABS, My Sister’s Closet, Tepen Hollow Designs, Adorn Arts-Macrame, Be You, Be Unique Boutique, Trendy Perks/Calhoun Financial.
The Hardin Presbyterian Church spearheaded ornament making with the kids. The Calhoun County Health Department had their Letters to Santa mailbox on hand. CHS National Honor Society sold their chicken and dumplings. CHS Cheerleaders provided hot cocoa and cookie decorating. Calhoun FFA sold chili and hot dogs to help raise funds for their class trip to Chicago. Pleasant Hill Baptist Church had hot cocoa. Emma’s Cupcakes sold her cupcakes and ooey gooey cookies and they were selling like hotcakes. Pictures from Santa were held at 2-6 p.m. and he was there with his wife, Mrs. Claus, to see the kids from Calhoun to find out what was on their Christmas wish lists.
Calhoun Entertainment Company (CEC) were caroling throughout the day and Calhoun Royalty made an appearance at 2 p.m.
In addition to the onsite vendors, Blue Ridge Market also had food available and their gift shop was open and later that evening the Grinch and Santa Claus were stopping by to visit.
Numerous vendors also sold many items from jewelry to Christmas decor to various holiday snacks, all while seasonal music set the perfect mood.
