Local Christmas events scheduled

Cold weather has arrived and so has the holiday rush.

Several local events have been planned in celebration of the Christmas season. Here are a few events already planned:

* Santa will be arriving in Greencastle at 10 a.m. Nov. 28 at the Red Leaf Building on the downtown square. "Santa's workshop" will include craft tables to make ornaments and various gifts. These activities will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Saturday until Dec. 19.

In addition, Santa's mailbox will be by the visitor's cove during the same weekend.

* The 26th annual Holiday Lights of Love ceremony is set for 6 p.m. Dec. 1 at Greencastle City Hall. Canned food donations will be accepted to help local food pantries.

The Greencastle Civic League's Lights of Love ceremony is a time-honored holiday and community event. The Greater Greencastle Chamber of Commerce will present the Spirit of Christmas award.

Awards for the kindergarten through second grade coloring contest, third through fifth grade essay contest and sixth through eighth grade essay contest will also be presented.

The Tzouanakis After-School Enrichment Choir will provide music during the event.

* Enjoy Christmas music? Attend the 8th annual Community Christmas Choir's presentation of "The Wonder of Christmas."

This free event will be held Dec. 4, 5 and 6 at the Russellville Community Center. A free meal will be served at 6 p.m. Dec. 4 and 5 and at noon Dec. 6 with music set to start at 7 p.m. Dec. 4 and 5 and at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 6.

Nursery and childcare services will be provided at no charge. A free-will offering will be accepted for the meal with proceeds benefiting the RCC.

Donate a non-perishable food item to help local individuals who will not have enough to eat this winter season. The collection of non-perishable food items will benefit Putnam and Montgomery counties food pantries.

* The 18th annual Tri Kappa Breakfast with Santa has been scheduled from 8 to 11 a.m. Dec. 5 at Deer Meadow Primary School. There will be an opportunity for pictures with Santa at a cost of $4 per adult or child.

Reservations are required due to limited seating and the deadline is Friday. For more information about Breakfast with Santa, contact Amy Cassida at 653-4048.

All proceeds from the event will benefit Greencastle, Putnam County and the state of Indiana promoting charity, culture and education.