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Last updated on Thursday, December 8, 2016
(ORLEANS) - The 7th Annual Christmas On the Square is set for Saturday, December 10 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Wrap up bring the family and join Orleans Chamber of Commerce officials downtown to celebrate an Old Fashioned Christmas in historic Congress square.
There is a "sea of red" coming to Orleans on Saturday, December 10th to kick off the Annual Christmas on the Square event this year. Put your Santa hats on and come walk or run through town along the sidewalks for the 2016 Santa Hat Run.
The family fun Run/Walk begin from historic Congress Square near the town's picturesque bandstand at 4 p.m. that Saturday afternoon.
This event is being sponsored by the Orleans Chamber of Commerce as part of the planned events for this year's special holiday happenings.
Chamber Executive Director Robert Henderson said "We are excited about being able to include the "Santa Hat Run/Walk" in conjunction with this year's "Christmas on the Square" activities and encourage everyone both young and old alike to come out and join us for this very festive event."
The route:
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Other planned events downtown that Saturday night include the telling of the Christmas Story complete with a Nativity with live animals, the ever popular children's train ride, Santa Claus, horse & carriage rides, food, live entertainment and more.
The popular Children's Christmas Funtime Express (train ride) returns and will provide free rides around the decorated historic Congress Square.
Live holiday entertainment is planned throughout the evening including special performances from the O.E.S Choir, O.H.S Band. Special Musical Guests "Ladies for Liberty" will perform a free Christmas Concert from 5:30 p.m. till 6:30 p.m. on the new Bicentennial stage located in the southwest corner of the park.
Nativity with live animals telling the traditional Christmas Story, on the southside of the square. The event is sponsored by the Orleans Ministerial Association.
Horse and Carriage rides, weather permitting will leave from Chamber Welcome Center, located on northside of square.
Santa Claus arrives downtown that evening via the town's restored 1926 Peter Pirsch Firetruck at around 5:10 p.m. or so at the historic decorated picturesque bandstand and the official town Christmas Tree.
Members of the Orleans Elementary School Choir under the direction of Mrs. Deb Edwards are expected to be on hand to greet Santa in Song. Youngsters will be welcome to visit with the Jolly Old Elf and share their Christmas wishes. Parents are encouraged to bring their cameras.
A number of vendors are expected to be set up inside the park area that evening including Tri Kappa who will be offering up warm drinks, food items, and other homemade holiday goodies for purchase.
Mt Pleasant Baptist Church will be serving free coffee and hot chocolate at this year's Christmas on the Square Come by their booth set in the park to pick up a treat bag for the kids and register in a drawing to win a prize!
12 U Indiana Trailblazers will also be setting up and offering warm food & drink that evening.
Some business owners around the square have also announced plans to be open during the event and invite attendees to stop in including Sprigler's Market & Deli.
The Chamber's Visitor Center will be open during the Christmas on the Square event. They have a selection of Orleans items available that make great for stocking stuffer ideas lke ornaments, notecards, magnets, license plates, historic throws and more. This year's collectible celebrates the Orleans United Methodist Church (1816-2016) and may be purchased for $10 while they last. Proceeds from the annual ornament sale benefit the chamber's many on-going community improvement projects.
Children can also pick up a free postcard to send to Santa. Santa's Mailbox is set up in front of the Chamber's office on the north side of the town square for all area children to mail their "Postcards for Santa." All cards collected will be forwarded on to the big guy at the North Pole. Selected ones may also appear in The Progress Examiner holiday edition.
Officials are still looking for the best decorated homes and businesses in Orleans. Nominations are still being accepted for the annual Outdoor Christmas Lighting Contest. All entries must be turned into the Chamber no later than Dec. 9th. Judging will take place on the evening of Dec 12th.
Don't forget to "like" our Orleans Chamber Facebook page and stay connected with the latest happenings in the Chamber & Orleans community. The Orleans Chamber page is linked with other local pages, such as the OC Tourism to bring you current local event information too. Visit on-line at www.historicorleans.com
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