Christmastime is here!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Hartley, Everly and Royal.

Several holiday events are planned in all three communities this weekend and next weekend. From Santa visits to lighted parades, even the grinchiest of grinches will be able to get in the Christmas spirit.

HARTLEY

The City With a Heart's big day is this 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.

The Festival of Trees will once again take place this year. The event will be held Sunday in the back of the Legion Club from 1-5 p.m. in conjunction with Santa and Mrs. Claus' visit. Those interested in entering a tree may set it up on Saturday from 1-4 p.m. Please contact Rachel Wilson at [email protected] with your tree's entry information.

Also scheduled during the Festival of Trees is kids craft activity, hot chocolate and popcorn sponsored by the I.E.F. Club. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in attendance from 3-5 p.m.

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.

EVERLY

Folks in and around Everly will be treated to an old favorite next Friday, Dec. 13.

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

Those wishing to enter a tree may set it up on Dec. 10 and Dec. 11 from 5-7 p.m.

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

This Saturday, Dec. 7, a vendor fair and craft show will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Hap Ketelsen Community Center.

ROYAL

Christmas will also be coming to Royal this Saturday, Dec. 7.

Royal Community Action will host a visit from Santa at the Royal Community Center starting at 10 a.m. After sharing their wish lists with the jolly ol' elf, children can stay for cookie decorating, hot chocolate and snacks.