Pioneer Village Christmas offers music and activities

Volunteers at the Pioneer Village Christmas are gearing up for a second big weekend of Christmas spirit Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10 and 11 at the Plymouth County Fairgrounds. Hours for the two evenings are 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., with a full lineup of entertainment and goodies at Century Hall and in the village.

All activities at the event are free, but freewill donations are most appreciated.

New this year is a live nativity with a stable set up under the bingo roof. Saturday performances by the Le Mars Bible Church will be at 7:15 and 7:45 p.m. (due to the lighted Christmas parade). Sunday's performances by CCD students from the Le Mars area will be at 6:30 and 7:15 p.m.

A full slate of entertainment on the Century Hall is lined up for both evenings as follows:

Saturday:

5:30 p.m. Cliff McMurray and Wind Consort, 7 piece instrumental group

6 p.m. - Plymouth Manor Bell Ringers, directed by Margaret Britton

6:30 p.m. - Pam Reeves and Kay Schipper with Clark kindergarten students

7 p.m. - Inez Hoogeveen's piano students

8 p.m. - Don Thoms and Dave Puetz, on harmonica, guitar and vocal

Sunday:

5:30 p.m. - Jan Klein and her violin students

6 p.m. - Le Mars Community Middle School 6th grade Chamber Choir; 7th & 8th Grade Treble Choir; 7th & 8th grade Select Choir, directed by Nancy Ewing. Flute ensemble, clarinet choir, saxaphone choir, brass choir, under direction of Mary Kay Benton.

6:45 p.m. - Christ Lutheran Church choir, directed by Joyce Frerichs, accompanied by Molly Gerrietts

7:30 p.m. - Pastor Dan and Molly Gerrietts, vocal and instrumental

Visitors will be able to view more than 50 trees decorated by various organizations, clubs, businesses and churches in Century Hall and children can stop at the activity table and make a Christmas craft to take home.

In Pioneer Village, Santa Claus will greet children with a listening ear and a treat in the Sportsman's Club, where cookies, hot apple cider and milk will be served. The saloon is the spot for an old-fashioned sing-along, hot chocolate and cookies.

A stop at the Toy Store is a must, as each child may choose a stuffed toy to take home. The Train Depot will be open and features toy trains on display.

The Le Mars Fire Department and the Powder Players Snowmobile Club will host the marshmallow roast in the village.

At the filling station, ham sandwiches will be served Saturday evening by the Plymouth County Pork Producers, with hot dogs served Sunday evening.

Bring the camera as there are three colorful picture boards on the grounds. A manger scene is located outside Century Hall, and was constructed by Remsen St. Mary's art and industrial arts students. Inside Century Hall, Santa's Workshop features cutouts to put your own favorite elf in the picture, was constructed by the Kingsley-Pierson industrial arts students. Gehlen Catholic art and industrial arts students constructed a Santa's elves display.