Holiday activities encourage Christmas spirit
With Thanksgiving out of the way, Marion residents and visitors have geared up for the Christmas holiday.
Many gathered at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Central Park for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
A candle lighting ceremony, as well as holiday music provided by a brass quartet, added to the festive atmosphere in the park.
A steady stream of people visited Christmas Magic Sunday afternoon in the former city library. The event featured 24 displays from table settings to Christmas trees with specific themes.
The event is sponsored by Marion Chamber of Commerce. Proceeds will be used for Christmas decorations.
"People enjoyed the displays and we had fun setting it up," said Margo Yates, executive secretary of the chamber.
Santa Claus arrived by fire truck Sunday to visit with youngsters at his new house, located in the vacant lot between Suffield's and Duckwall's.
He also will make appearances from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 15, and Dec. 22.
Later Sunday afternoon, between 180 and 200 people participated in the Christmas Home Tour. Sponsored by Marion City Library, the tour featured the homes of Mike and Pauline Holub, Dwight and Helen Beckham, Robert and Penelope Marler, and Stan and Jami Williams.
Organizer Janet Marler was well-pleased with the turnout. "Everyone was in the Christmas spirit and had a good time," she said.
