The weekend brings Bishop Hill’s Chocolate Walk, the Andover Christmas Walk and a Swedish folk song workshop, along with fundraisers, live music and more to the Kewanee area.
Santa at the Center
What: Children of all ages can share holiday wish lists and have their pictures taken with Santa and his elves. No pre-registration required.
When: 5 p.m. Dec. 5
Where: Geneseo Community Center, 541 E. North St., Geneseo
Cost: Free
Free movie night
What: “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” is a holiday comedy based on Barbara Robinson’s book. When the notorious Herdman kids—known as the worst children in town—crash Sunday school looking for snacks, they end up hijacking the annual Christmas pageant. With chaos, laughter and unexpected moments of grace, this misfit crew transforms the tradition into something unforgettable, teaching an entire community the true meaning of Christmas.
When: 6 p.m. Dec. 5
Where: SonRise Bible Church sanctuary, 201 W. Second St., Atkinson
Cost: Free
Hometown Christmas Market
What: Shop local for Christmas gifts with a variety of vendors. There will be clothing, décor, baked goods and more, plus new drink specials for the day.
When: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Dec. 6
Where: Hometown Haven, 303 W. Front St., Annawan
Tarot & Tinis
What: Sign up for a tarot reading to find out what the universe is trying to tell you. Fee includes 15-minute reading and a drink.
When: 4-8 p.m. Dec. 6
Where: Krans Kafe, 103 S. Bishop Hill St., Bishop Hill
Cost: $25
Swedish Folksong workshop
What: Renowned Swedish vocal ensemble, Kongero, will teach a variety of Swedish folk songs and tunes in 2- to 4-part harmony – all by ear. Kongero works and experiments with genre specific sounds, grooves, articulation, improvisation and ornaments, in what they term folk’apella. The participants will get tips and feedback about technique and intonation, tools for improving singing together and basic arranging ideas. Kongero has released two Song Books with the songs and arrangements they teach in workshop settings. All levels and ages of singers are welcome. Kongero teaches elementary school children all the way up to mixed age choirs and look forward to singing with you. Song books will be available for sale at the workshop, but are not necessary for participation. Reservations are not required.
When: 1-2:30 p.m. Dec. 6
Where: Dairy Building, 410 N. Erickson St., Bishop Hill
Kongero
Kongero is a world-touring Swedish Folk’appella group. The potluck is optional, but it is an opportunity to connect with others in the audience. Plates, bowls, silverware, napkins and serving spoons are provided. This is a family-friendly, all-ages show.
When: 7-11 p.m. Dec. 6
Where: Bishop Hill Creative Commons, 309 Bishop Hill St., Bishop Hill
Cost: $20-$30 suggested donation
Lunch with Santa
What: See Santa, have lunch and enjoy some crafts.
When: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Dec. 6
Where: Kewanee Elks House, 113 N. Tremont St., Kewanee
Chocolate Walk
What: Indulge your sweet tooth and support the arts at the same time at this annual fundraiser hosted by the Bishop Hill Arts Council. This year, you can buy fudge, cookies, brownies, melt-a-ways, chocolate-dipped treats and more. For $12 per pound, fill a bag with locally handcrafted confections. All funds raised from the Chocolate Walk help support local arts, events, museums and businesses in Bishop Hill.
When: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Dec. 6
Where: Bishop Hill Creative Commons, 309 Bishop Hill St., Bishop Hill
Andover Christmas Walk
What: Angela Meyer will perform at the Christmas Walk. Angela was raised in rural Iowa by a family centered around country music. Her new album, “Legions & Legends” is a collection of 10 stories that pay homage to the Midwestern way of life. From 4-5 p.m., visit the Gingerbread Bash for the Christmas story, songs, photo booth and decorating a Gingerbread Nativity in Luther Hall. From 4:45-5 p.m., see the Christmas tree lighting at Andover Lake Park gazebo. Activities from 5:30-7 p.m. include frosting and decorating Christmas cookies, creating Christmas cards to share, make-and-take Christmas crafts, and a Nativity photo booth with dress-up clothes available in the Education Wing. From 5-7 p.m. is the Advent Soup Supper. Enjoy a bowl of soup and conversation in Luther Hall. From 5-6:30 p.m. there will be tractor-pulled trailer rides and caroling (weather permitting). Pick-up and drop-off is at the church.
When: 4-8:30 p.m. Dec. 7
Where: Augustana Church, 628 Sixth St., Andover
Holiday Open House
What: There will be several craft and direct-sale vendors on hand with products, craft items and services to offer at this 18th annual event. Eiler’s Catering will also offer lunch for purchase
When: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Dec. 7
Where: Flemish American Club, 313 N. Burr Blvd., Kewanee
Holly Jolly Festival
What: Wethersfield High School’ Blish parking lot is being transformed into a winter wonderland for this family-friendly festival. Activities include cookie decorating, kids’ games, a bounce house and festive train rides. There will also be craft tables, face painting and hair tinsel booths. Santa Claus will make an appearance alongside live reindeer. After the festival, the lighted parade will begin on West McClure to Windmont Park for the park lighting.
When: 2-4 p.m. Dec. 7
Where: Wethersfield High School, 439 Willard St., Kewanee
Cost: $5
Lighted Parade and Tree Lighting
What: 19th annual Lighted Parade! The start of the lighting of Windmont and Northeast Park. Watch the 19th Annual Lighted Parade go down W. McClure Street from Tenney to Windmont Park. Santa and Mrs. Claus will then start the countdown for fireworks and the lighting of the Park’s lights. Walk through displays and visit Santa in the shelter house. Drive through Northeast Park on your way home and see all the lighted decorative cutouts. Take your picture next to your favorite. Both parks will light up every night through New Year’s Eve.
When: 5 p.m. Dec. 7
Where: Windmont Park, 445 Beach St. S, Kewanee
Cost: Free
Coming next week
Kewanee in Pictures before 1900
What: Join Mike DeWalt from the Kewanee Historical Society to discover Kewanee’s history through images from before 1900. Learn more about this community’s past and see it through the lens of history.
When: 6 p.m. Dec. 9
Where: Community Room, Kewanee Public Library District, 102 S. Tremont St., Kewanee
Christmas Cookie Decorating Class
What: Learn how to turn simple sugar into holiday masterpieces. All supplies are included.
When: 6-8 p.m. Dec. 11
Where: Krans Kafe, 103 Bishop Hill St., Bishop Hill
Cost: $30: includes activity and drink
Kathi Edwards is a freelance contributor to the Kewanee Star Courier.
This article originally appeared on Star Courier: Lots of holiday events going on this weekend in the Kewanee area
Reporting by Kathi Edwards, Special to the Kewanee Star Courier / Star Courier
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