Washington County Enterprise-Leader
Many Brave Weather For Christmas On The Square
600 CHICKEN DINNERS GIVEN AWAY
LINCOLN —A cold, blustery wind did not keep crowds away Saturday night from the annual Christmas on the Square, though it did drive more people inside to stay warm.
Justin and Crystal Carr of Lincoln walked up to the community building with their three children, all bundled up in scarves, hats, gloves and winter coats.
“We love this,” they said.
Last year more people were able to take their delicious chicken dinners, or hot dog meals, outside to enjoy the Christmas lights and holiday music piped through the sound system. This year, the community building stayed busy as people stayed inside to eat and visit with each other.
Santa Claus relocated from the gazebo on the square to visit with children in Lincoln Senior Center.
Frankie Leming brought her five children to see Santa first before crossing the street for food and pony rides.
“I love this,” Leming said. “It’s sweet for the children. The bigger idea is people who don’t have a lot for the holidays get to eat and it’s free. That’s the good thing.”
Leming’s 3- year- old daughter, Adrianna, told Santa she wanted an Elsa doll. Her younger brother wanted a TV to play games.
Tracy Peden of Westville, Okla., has come to Christmas on the Square for three years.
“I think it’s awesome,” Peden said, adding she doesn’t really come for the food, though that’s nice. She enjoys watching her children see Santa and ride the ponies.
“It’s fun watching your children have fun,” Peden said.
Mayor Rob Hulse said volunteers cooked chicken all day Saturday and toward the end of the evening, volunteers had given away more than 600 chicken dinners and 250 hot dog dinners. He expressed his appreciation to Tyson Foods for donating the chicken. Without the donation, a free meal would not be possible, Hulse said.
This is the sixth or seventh Christmas on the Square. Hulse couldn’t remember the exact year but he does remember discussions about reviving a tradition from years ago.
“When we had the opportunity to get seriously involved, it was the right thing to do,” Hulse said. “This is giving back to the community and enjoying a meal together.”
Around 125 people came the first year and attendance has increased each season. The high is probably about 1,000 people.
Troy Myers, Lincoln City Council member, enjoyed a chicken dinner as his wife, Lincoln High School teacher Patricia Myers, volunteered on the food line.
“It’s just an awesome time for the community to get together,” said Myers. “Just the pride on the square. It makes my heart beat.”
Many organizations helped with the Christmas event.
Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored Santa Claus and put together goody bags for Santa to give out to children. City of Lincoln staff volunteered their time to help. Jeff Hatley with Ozark Regional Transit handed out free bags of popcorn and Glenn Nolan Concessions of Farmington scooped up free bags of kettle corn, a new item this year. Partytime Ponies gave free pony rides to children.
“Everyone does their part to make this happen,” Hulse said.