No snow yet, but...Christmastime is here!

After a year on semi-hiatus, the holiday season is back in full swing this weekend.

Several events are planned in Hartley and Everly to get everyone in a merry mood. Folks in the Royal area need not wait long – the city's holiday events are slated to take place next weekend.

The full slate of Christmastime magic returns after the COVID-19 pandemic pushed most events off the calendar last year. One 2020 improvisation, the Hartley Chamber of Commerce's Light Parade, is back by popular demand this weekend, while other traditional events like business open houses also return to spark some Christmas spirit.

HARTLEY

A concert at St. Paul's Lutheran Church opens the weekend in Hartley on Saturday, Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. Jennie Williamson, a Christian singer who performs at venues across the country, will deliver a free concert to local music lovers of all ages. She hails from Franklin, Tenn., and focuses her performances on "the reason for the season." Free will donations will be accepted.

The City With a Heart's big day is Sunday. Things kick off with the Lions Club's Burger Bar at the Hartley Community Center from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. A free will offering will be accepted with sit-down, drive-up and carryout options available.

The Hartley Chamber of Commerce's Vendor Fair will also take place at the Hartley Community Center on Sunday. The event will be held from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., with free admission and discounted Chamber Bucks for sale.

The crowning event is the light parade at 6 p.m. The route starts at Grace Fellowship and heads east on West Maple Drive to First Street Northeast, then loops around to East Maple Drive going west. It will then turn south on South Central Avenue. If you wish to park and watch the parade, it will go past the parking lots at St. Paul's Lutheran Church and Trinity United Church of Christ.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will meet visitors after the parade at the fire station at 7 p.m. Local children are encouraged to bring their wish lists.

A prolonged piece of the holiday celebration in Hartley is the Festival of Trees at the library. Visitors can view the display Dec. 6-23 during regular hours.

EVERLY

Folks in and around Everly will be treated to an old favorite this Friday.

With the Everly Commercial Club no longer in existence, the Friends of the Everly Public Library have picked up the slack. The group is sponsoring "Everly's Winter Wonderland" and the annual Festival of Trees at the Hap Ketelsen Community Center Friday night from 5-7 p.m. A free will offering will be provided and crafts for children will be available.

Santa's coming, too – with gifts! All are welcome to attend.

ROYAL

It will be worth the wait in Royal on Saturday, Dec. 11.

Royal Community Action will host the Festival of Trees and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Great Hall of Royal from 10 a.m.-noon. Treats and hot cocoa will be provided, and children can create a Christmas craft and decorate cookies.

If you're interested in decorating a tree, contact Ann or Heather at Home State Bank by calling (712) 933-5511. There is no cost to participate.