Wintry mix

Feed the family

Pick up the “What’s Cookin’ at First Security Bank: Volume 2” cookbook as a gift or to find a great recipe and give back to others just in time for the holidays. The cookbook costs $20 and can be purchased at First Security Bank locations. Proceeds from the book’s sales will go to the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance and be directed to child hunger.

TO BUY: First Security Bank locations

Deck the halls with Santa Claus

The largest Santa collection in Arkansas is on display at the Carmichael Community Center in Searcy until Dec. 31. There is a Santa Scavenger Hunt activity sheet that if completed will give participants the chance to win a gift card to the Historic Rialto Theater. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit the Searcy Holiday of Lights’ Facebook page.

Jacksonville Christmas Parade

The Jacksonville Parks and Recreation Department will host a Christmas parade from 3-7 p.m. Dec. 4. The parade, which will include decorated floats, featured guests, Santa, marching bands, dance groups and the Jacksonville Fire Department, will travel down Main Street from Sharp Drive to First United Methodist Church. To register parade entries, visit the department’s website, where the required form is available to print, complete and mail, along with a check for $25, to the address on the bottom of the form.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit the Jacksonville Parks and Recreation Department’s website.

Go Hog Wild

Perfect for date night in or dinner for the family, the Hog Wild specialty pizza is loaded with ham, bacon, sausage, pepperoni, garlic, and pepper jack and mozzarella cheese.

TO BUY: American Pie Pizza, Maumelle

Jolly Jubilee

Join Searcy Parks and Recreation on Dec. 4 in downtown Searcy for the first Jolly Jubilee. Starting at 9 a.m., the event features The World Championship Chocolate Gravy Cook-Off, a Christmas craft fair, Christmas music in Citizen Park, children’s games, inflatables, a petting zoo and pony rides. The festivities will conclude with the Searcy Christmas Parade at 6 p.m.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Visit the Searcy Holiday of Lights’ Facebook page.

Support small businesses

Support the community this holiday season by purchasing presents from Jacksonville businesses. Buy gifts for your family and friends while helping Jacksonville grow. TO BUY: Businesses in Jacksonville

Winter fun

Skate the night away this holiday season at Spring Park in Searcy on Nov. 23 to Jan. 1. Skating costs $5 per person for 45 minutes. Group rates are also available.

TO BUY: Spring Park, Searcy

A Berry Merry Christmas

At 4 p.m. Dec. 11, children are invited to meet Santa and their favorite princesses and toy characters at Searcy’s Berry Merry Christmas in Berryhill Park. The event will offer cookies, hot chocolate, face painting, games and more. Then watch “Toy Story” with your family in the park. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit the Searcy Holiday of Lights’ Facebook page.