Pioneer Village Christmas offers two nights of holiday fun

Caitlyn Hughes, 8, and her brother, Preston, 4, took turns telling Santa Claus their Christmas wish list. Their grandparents, Cliff and Linda Schwarz of Le Mars took them to the Sportsman's Club to have their visit with Santa and enjoy all the activities at the Pioneer Village Christmas Saturday evening. (Sentinel photo by Beverly Van Buskirk) [Click to enlarge]

With a forecast of mild weather for the remainder of the week, organizers of Pioneer Village Christmas Winter Wonderland look for good crowds to attend the second and final weekend this Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 16 and 17 at the Plymouth County Fairgrounds.

"We had a great turnout last weekend," said Bonita Davison, who is chairing the event this year. "With parking on the south side of the village, everyone walked through Pioneer Village, saw all the lighted buildings and stopped in to see the decorations."

To avoid traffic congestion and provide more parking, visitors to the Pioneer Village Christmas will use the south fairgrounds entrance on Fourth Avenue Northeast. The main gate (with the arch entrance) will be used for those needing handicap access and for the elderly while the north gate will be used by workers and those involved in the Century Hall entertainment.

Davison estimates the group served 210 dozen cookies during the two nights, along with 700 ham sandwiches by the Pork Producers Saturday night and 400 hot dogs served Sunday night at the Luxembourg Building.

While there is no charge for the activities or food, donation boxes are set around the grounds so those attending may make a donation.

"We appreciate the donations," Davison said. "Overall, the community and people are very supportive of the project."

Volunteers fill a number of roles at the event. Serving refreshments are members of the Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club, American Legion, Sportsman's Club, with the firemen and Powder Players Snowmobile Club hosting the marshmallow roast.

"Some of the 4-H clubs baked cookies for us. One 4-H club baked 50 dozen," Davison said.

Refreshments on the grounds include cookies, cider, chocolate milk, hot chocolate and orange drink.

"All the service clubs were great, they did a good job," said Davison. "We do have a big involvement in this from a number of people and groups."

New this year is Christmas stories in the Log Cabin, located at the west end of Pioneer Village. Readers will be there from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday night, and 6 to 7 p.m. Sunday evening.

"Santa was busy listening to children and handing out treats too," said Davison. Santa Claus is located in the Sportsman's Club, and even has a photographer who will take pictures for parents to order if they wish.

The live nativity will be presented at 6:30 and 7 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday evenings.

A village favorite, the horse-drawn wagon rides, will be provided by Dr. John and Barbara Conley, Rex Krebs and Dean and Bonita Davison.

At the Toy Store in Pioneer Village, members of the Town and County Toy Club have a collection of stuffed animals to give away to children of all ages. Anyone wishing to donate stuffed toys to the event may contact Dave Lehner at 546-7663.

There are children's craft activities in Century Hall, coordinated by Stephanie Jurgens.

Davison noted more chairs have been set up for the entertainment in Century Hall this weekend as several larger groups will be performing.

Coordinating the Century Hall entertainment this year are Bill and Janice Renken, with Terry Durr providing the sound system.

Century Hall sparkles with more than 50 Christmas trees decorated by various groups, churches, towns, organizations and businesses.

Davison notes those with decorated trees may take them down after 8 p.m. Sunday evening, or Monday, Dec. 18, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 to 8 p.m. Anyone unable to take down their decorated tree at those times should contact Davison at 540-3442, to make arrangements.

Century Hall Entertainment

Saturday, Dec. 16

5:30 p.m. - St. James Youth Choir, directors Dorothy Arens and Danielle Heissel

6 p.m. - Grace Lutheran Church, the Rev. Larry Fett

6:30 p.m. - Akron Care Center Bell Ringers, Roxanne Larson, bell director; Norma Wendt, Activity Director

7 p.m. - Gehlen Catholic High School Band, director Paul Niebuhr and Le Mars Community High School Band, directors Curt Ohrlund and Cliff McMurray

7:45 p.m. - Susan Mohning, line dancing to Christmas music

Sunday, Dec. 17

5:30 p.m. St. Joseph Church, Struble, Children Bell Ringers, Suzie Kessenich, bell director

6 p.m. - Le Mars and Merrill Girl Scouts

6:30 p.m. Plymouth Manor Bell Ringers, Margaret Britton, Activity and Bell Director

7 p.m. - Christ Lutheran Church Choir, Grant Twp., rural Le Mars, Joyce Frerichs, director; Molly Gerrietts, accompanist.

7:30 p.m. - Mary Renken, Rebecca, Jill and Kristen Ahlers

7:45 p.m. - Jeanette Jensen on piano and Dave Westra on harmonica