Holiday Event Is ‘Gift To Community’

Churches, Volunteers Come Together

LINCOLN — Christmas On the Square is a chance for the community to share in a free meal, enjoy holiday music and let Santa hear what is on children’s wish lists.

More than 700 people attended last year’s event on the downtown square.

“I was so excited by the turnout we had last year,” said Mayor Rob Hulse. “I was in amazement how much it had grown, and we want to continue to grow this for the community.”

“This is a gift — our way of giving back to the community,” said Chamber of Commerce President Ken Reeves.

“I’m real excited I think it will be one of the best events we’ve had,” Reeves said. “If the weather holds, it’s going to be fun.”

“This event isn’t about who is doing what — it is about the community coming together to provide this event,” Hulse said.

“Many different churches and volunteers have come together for this event, Reeves said. Three hundred goody bags for children have been donated but there is still a need for candy and nuts,” Reeves said.

Hulse also praised the churches, volunteers, city workers and chamber members for their work on the event. “It’s everybody working together,” he said.

Christmas On the Square will be held this year on Saturday, Dec. 15, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., with the meal being served at the Lincoln Senior Center. Hulse will smoke chicken that is being donated by Tyson Foods.

Maranatha Christian Fellowship, the Sanctuary and the Lincoln Area Ministerial Brotherhood have helped with the event.

Pony rides, hot chocolate, apple cider and popcorn will be available at no charge.

Maranatha Church will provide the live Nativity scene as it did last year.

Carolers will bring the spirit of Christmas with well-loved hymns and popular songs.

For the children, Santa Claus will once again wait at the gazebo to hear all the boys and girls’ requests. Goody bags will be handed out to the children at this time.

LYNN KUTTER ENTERPRISE-LEADER Sgt. Chris Workman with the Prairie Grove Police Department shops with third-grader Timmothy Hill and his younger brother, Eugene, on Saturday morning at Walmart in Fayetteville. The police department shopped with 30 children this year as part of its...