{"id":35046,"date":"2023-12-01T07:00:56","date_gmt":"2023-12-01T15:00:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wrec.coop\/?p=35046"},"modified":"2023-11-25T15:48:33","modified_gmt":"2023-11-25T23:48:33","slug":"have-yourself-a-merry-christmas-at-these-local-holiday-events","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wrec.coop\/have-yourself-a-merry-christmas-at-these-local-holiday-events\/","title":{"rendered":"Have Yourself a Merry Christmas at These Local Holiday Events"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Decorated trees are displayed at the Chimney Rock Golf Course Clubhouse in Wells. The tree festival benefits the Wells Family Resource Center. Photo Courtesy of Wells Family Resource Center<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although the weather may be frigid, warm-hearted residents in remote ranching communities and towns welcome seasonal celebrants to their holiday events. Save the dates for light parades, an ecumenical church walk, Christmas tree festivals, students\u2019 original plays, and candlelight Christmas Eve services at churches.<\/p>\n

Carlin<\/h2>\n

Christmas celebrants in Carlin launch the holiday season on December 2 with Sugar Plum Square, an evening of events that attract merrymakers from throughout the region.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just so magical with the lights, the smiles, and the laughter throughout the evening,\u201d says Ellen Meshefski, chairperson of the Carlin Parks and Recreation Board, which organizes the annual event.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have both Santa and the Grinch coming. It\u2019s a special reminder to so many of us, too, of our \u2018Mr. Christmas,\u2019 Jon Gift, and his community contributions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jon and others help put up light displays in town. An illuminated village on Christmas Hill stays ablaze throughout the month.<\/p>\n

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The Carlin Light Parade features special appearances from beloved holiday characters. Photo Courtesy of Carlin Parks and Recreation Department<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The 19th annual Sugar Plum Square starts with the Carlin Light Parade at 6 p.m. Participants begin lining up at 5:30 p.m. at Scott\u2019s Market. The route ends at the Carlin Open Door Senior Center, where a bake sale to benefit the center is scheduled.<\/p>\n

A Mini Christmas Tree and Wreath Festival will raise money for the Carlin Friends of the Library.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll have photo ops, local entertainment, and a cocoa hut,\u201d Ellen says.<\/p>\n

Ellen posts updates on the Sugar Plum Square Facebook page<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Wells<\/h2>\n

Wells hosts multiple events in December:<\/p>\n