By KELSEY UNRUH

Staff writer

Families will be able to visit Santa, take horse drawn carriage rides, do crafts, enjoy holiday tunes, and shop locally at this year’s “A Down-Home Christmas” event on Dec. 3.

Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce promotions committee chair Marie Kessler said it is a community event designed to show locals what is offered in their hometown.

“We want to introduce the home based businesses to the community and to get children and parents downtown for activities,” Kessler said.

More businesses are getting involved this year, including Cottonwood Law, which will serve free hot chocolate, and a clothing boutique that will open in the Olde Town building for the day.

“It’s good that we’re getting some new involvement,” Kessler said. “I hope the community comes and enjoys the day with us, good weather or bad weather.”

A Down-Home Christmas also will feature a concert by David Vogel at 7 p.m. Dec. 1 in the Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church fellowship hall.

Proceeds from the concert will benefit USD 410 Music Department and Hillsboro Public Library.

“I’ll be performing a lot of Christmas classics, and probably telling some corny jokes,” Vogel said, “but I think after doing last year’s concert, I got a better idea of what worked well, and what can be done differently. So there will be some of the same, and some surprises.”

Hillsboro High School singing group Spirit-n-Celebration will perform this year, with Vogel joining the group for one number.

Vogel chose S-N-C to perform with him for two reasons.

“First, I was a member of S-N-C while I was in school, and that was part of where I found my own love of performing, so I thought it would be a fun connection to get that group involved,” Vogel said. “Secondly, over the last few years I’ve gotten to know several of the kids currently in S-N-C. They are a blast to work with, and really great musicians.”

Vogel said there might be another guest appearance.

“But I’m keeping that a secret,” he said.

Cheesecake and coffee will be served at the concert. Tickets are $12, or a table of eight for $75, and can be purchased at the Chamber office, Kessler Kreations, online at instaboro.com/shop, or at the door if tickets remain.

“A Down-home christmas”

Dec. 1

7 p.m. — “A Down-Home Christmas” event kick off Christmas concert, Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church.

Dec. 3

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Crafts, Bluejay Lanes bowling alley.

9 a.m. to 2 p .m. — American Legion Auxiliary craft class, back room, Kessler Kreations.

9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Visits with Santa, Et Cetera Shop.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Carriage rides, in front of the Old Towne building.

10:30 to 11 a.m. — Story time, Hillsboro Public Library.

11 a.m. to noon — Facepainting, The Cut Above.

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Lunch catered by Rob Scott Catering, Hillsboro City building.