It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Tuesday's snowfall arrived just in time to set the mood for Christmas activities this weekend in Hartley and Everly.

Several holiday events are planned in both communities starting Friday and wrapping up on Sunday night. Folks in the Royal area need not wait long – the city's holiday events are slated to take place next weekend.

HARTLEY

The City With a Heart's big day is Sunday. Things kick off with the Hartley Chamber of Commerce's annual holiday vendor fair at the community center from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Visitors need not worry about lunch, as the Hartley Lions Club will hold its burger bar during the event. The vendor fair features free admission, and discounted Chamber Bucks will also be 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.

Things conclude with hot chocolate and a visit from Santa at the fire station at 7 p.m.

EVERLY

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

For the second year in a row, the Friends of the Everly Public Library is sponsoring "Everly's Winter Wonderland" and the annual Festival of Trees at the Hap Ketelsen Community Center Friday night from 5-7:30 p.m. A free will offering will be provided and crafts for children will be available. The Clay County Countrymen 4-H Club will also hold a bake sale.

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

ROYAL

It will be worth the wait in Royal on Saturday, Dec. 10.

Royal Community Action will host a visit from Santa at the Royal Community Building starting at 10 a.m. After sharing their wish lists with the jolly ol' elf, children can stay and decorate cookies.