Chris Kluemper (left) and Carolyn Niehus trim the Pride Group Christmas tree with decorations made by the residents. The tree is one of 50 on display in Century Hall during the Pioneer Village Christmas Wonderland Dec. 6, 7, 13 and 14 at the Plymouth County Fairgrounds. [Click to enlarge]

Sleigh bells will ring, lights will twinkle on decorated trees and buildings, animals will watch over a baby in a manger and children will talk with Santa Claus.

These are a few of the many sights visitors will see at the annual Pioneer Village Christmas Wonderland which opens this Saturday, Dec. 6 for two weeks of fun and memories.

Hours are 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6 and 7, and 13 and 14.

"It's all coming together," said Bonita Davison Monday, as she checked over last-minute details.

Davison estimates nearly 50 Christmas trees, decorated by area groups, churches, businesses and communities, will be in Century Hall.

Outside in Pioneer Village, hundreds of lights twinkle in the night, decorating the buildings and transforming the village into a winter delight.

There will be a variety of activities the first weekend of the Pioneer Village Christmas.

The live nativity Saturday evening will be presented by Grace Lutheran Church members, with Sunday's performances given by St. John's Lutheran Church members.

(Advertisement)

Santa Claus will meet with children each evening in the Sportsman's Club, where club members will serve cookies and hot cider.

At the Luxembourg building, the Pork Producers will serve sandwiches Saturday evening, and St. Mary's Church of Remsen will serve hot dogs Sunday evening.

Powder Puff Snowmobilers will offer a marshmallow roast by the Sportsman's Club. The train depot will be open with model trains running. The Toy Store will be open, and each child visiting will be able to pick out a stuffed toy to take home.

At the nostalgic log cabin at the west end of the PIoneer Village, children may listen to stories told by readers from 6:30 to 8 p.m. each evening.

A full lineup of entertainment in Century Hall is again on stage this year, coordinated by Bill and Janice Renken. Providing the sound system are Terry Durr and Tom Mullally.

Saturday, Dec. 6 entertainment lineup includes:

* 6:15 p.m. Clover Sanow on keyboard

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

* 8 p.m. Terry Durr and granddaughter Madison and Friends

Sunday, Dec. 7 entertainment lineup includes:

* 5:30 p.m. Denice Kolker piano and vocal students

* 6 p.m. Nuns On The Run from Danbury

* 6:50 p.m. Stanton Lucky Clovers 4-H Club, with leaders Steve and Lynn Brewer, and John and Debra Ahlers

* 7:30 p.m. Christ Lutheran Church Choir, rural Le Mars; director Brenda Renken; accompanist, Molly Gerrietts

* 8 p.m. Flute Choir from the Art Center, with members Kathy Moore, Leslie Vance, Glenda Drennen, Sue Ashenfelter, Debi Anderson and Jan Christensen of Le Mars; Pat Leahey, Walt Beckwith and Taurise Alexander of Sioux City and Erin Fischer of Granville.

While looking at the 50 decorated Christmas trees and listening to the entertainment, enjoy popcorn from the Lions Club, popcorn balls from the Kiwanis Club, candy candy canes and hot chocolate from the American Legion and cookies and coffee from the Rotary Club.

There will also be craft corner for kids to make a craft item to take home.

Outside, those wishing to take a step back in time may take a horse-drawn wagon ride. Dr. John and Barbara Conley, Dean and Bonita Davison and Eric Wagner will have their horses and wagons decorated for the Christmas season, ready to give rides.

"We really have a good group of faithful volunteers who have been very busy decorating and getting things ready for these two weekends," said Davison.

"We got our outdoor lights up early this year in good weather and that was great," she said.

There is no admission charge for the Pioneer Village Christmas Wonderland. There will be donation boxes around the grounds for those attending to make a contribution. A number of area businesses also provide assistance for the event.

Davison also reminds visitors that the Children's Lighted Christmas parade will start at 6 p.m. Saturday evening, at the corner of Central Avenue and Eighth Street South.