Christmas on the Ranch canceled, but live Nativity, steak cookoff still on
HOPE Landing announced Monday that its annual Christmas on the Ranch open house has been canceled, but the nonprofit does still have some activities planned on Saturday, Dec. 11.
A steak cook-off sanctioned by the Steak Cook-off Association is still set for Saturday, and a live Nativity will be set in the ranch’s barn.
Those who wish to see the live Nativity can drive through the ranch between 4 and 5 p.m. Saturday. Special guest Santa will also be on-site to wave at passers-by.
“The live Nativity consists of HOPE Landing staff members and clients,” said Jenny Williams, director of marketing and relations for the nonprofit. “There will be Mary, Joseph, wise men, shepherds and, of course, angels!”
Those who purchased steak tickets will be able to pick up their steaks between 5 and 5:30 p.m. Saturday. The live Nativity and Santa will still be on the scene then, as well.
Williams said more than 40 teams have already singed up for the steak cook-off, and registration will be open until Saturday morning. To register, visit steakcookoffs.com. Entry fees range from $25 to $300.
The annual steak cook-off is a fundraiser for HOPE Landing backed by several sponsors, including, according to a flyer for the event, Rosson Phillips Group, Southern Bancorp, South Arkansas Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, New Hope Prosthetics and & Orthotics and Subway. Prizes between $100 and $1,000, plus a plaque or certificate, will be awarded to the cook-off’s winners thanks to the sponsors, Williams said.
Grills will fire up starting at 9:30 a.m., following load-in, which starts at 7:30 a.m.
Williams said the HOPE Landing Board of Directors
decided to cancel this year’s Christmas on the Ranch event because of traffic issues caused by having it and the steak cook-off on the same day.
“We will bring it back in future years on a different date from the steak cook-off,” she said.
Last year, the open house was held in a drivethrough format due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In spite of the scaled back nature of this year’s holiday event, Williams said the HOPE Landing team hopes to see the community at the ranch this weekend.
“We wish the community good health and a Merry Christmas and invite them to drive out at 4 p.m. on Saturday to see Santa and the live Nativity,” she said.
HOPE Landing is at 214 Hope Landing. For more information, visit hopelanding.com.