Happiness and cheer

Recent snow accumulation may have melted already, but local residents won't need the white stuff to get in the Christmas spirit 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 should come with empty stomachs, 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.

Back this year is the Festival of Trees. The event used to be held at the library, but has been on hiatus for the better part of three years. This year it will be held Sunday in the back of the Legion Club from 2-5 p.m. in conjunction with Santa and Mrs. Claus' visit.

Chamber board member Rachel Wilson said the display was re-added this year to pad the lineup with more festive events.

"The Chamber felt like it would be fun to have some more Christmas activities in town that day," she said. "We encourage everyone to get creative."

Organizers are asking for decorated tree entries from businesses, classrooms, churches, community groups or families. Participants will need to provide their own tree, whether it be a tabletop or larger. Setup is Dec. 1 or Dec. 2 after 4 p.m.; or Dec. 3 after 12 p.m.

Winners for three categories will get a milk (or coffee) and cookies party. Categories include classroom, business and community. Register by emailing Wilson at [email protected] with information about your name and what category you plan to enter.

Also scheduled during the Festival of Trees is kids' activity, apple cider and popcorn sponsored by the I.E.F. Club.

The crowning event is the light parade at 5:30 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 with the firemen in the back of the Legion after the parade.

EVERLY

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

For the third 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.

On Saturday, a vendor fair and craft show will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Hap Ketelsen Community Center.

ROYAL

It will be worth the wait in Royal on Saturday, Dec. 9.

Royal Community Action and the Royal Lions Club will host a visit from Santa at the Great Hall of Royal starting at 10 a.m. After sharing their wish lists with the jolly ol' elf, children can stay for crafts and cookies. Santa will be in attendance until noon.

A soup and pie lunch will be served from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., for a free will donation. All money raised will go towards purchasing winter clothes for Clay Central/Everly children in need.

The Festival of Trees will run during the entire event.