My five regular readers have purchased their buttons for the Peabody Prairie Christmas event Saturday —“Cowboys, candlesticks, and candy canes.” I can sell you one as well. The buttons cost a mere $3 and they will get you into all manner of activities Saturday. (If you can’t find me to make your purchase, visit just about any Peabody merchant. Buttons are available from most of them.)
Lots of events are scheduled, beginning at 10 a.m. at Peabody Senior Center. There you will find a cookie walk (get all your Christmas baking done in a matter of minutes), a table-scape display (showing how to set a holiday table in style), and a silent auction for uniquely decorated tabletop trees (with funds going to the holiday banner fund). Who could ask for more?
During the day, some businesses will have specials on merchandise and services. The historical society will serve a soup and pie luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Morgan House. There will be Christmas crafts at 2 p.m. for children at Peabody Senior Center.
Also for children there will be a story hour from 1 to 2 p.m. at Jackrabbit Hollow. The story hour will feature the golden voices of Peabody Mayor, Hizzoner, Ed Slocombe and Peabody-Burns Elementary School Principal Ken Perry. Your kids will love this; what a way to build a holiday reading tradition!
Santa himself will be listening to children’s wishes at the American Legion from noon until 3 p.m. Parents may bring cameras to take pictures of their little ones with the Jolly Old Elf.
Okay, so thus far, what part of this day doesn’t seem to you like a good way to spend a Saturday? Got that pin yet? You are going to get all of this for three bucks. But wait, there is more …
If you are of the daring, old-fashioned cowboy type, you should high-tail it (at about 2 p.m.) down to the Marshall Auction Warehouse lawn for lariat spinning and cow roping instructions from Mark Penner. A traveling trophy for the best roping team is up for grabs during this second year of competition. The 2007 winners — the Jackrabbit Hollow team of Pam Lamborn, Justin Rempel, and Glenda Mackey — are ready to defend their title. Knock yourselves out and knock them off their pedestal!
The annual holiday parade will begin at the high school at 4 p.m. and travel south down Walnut to the business district. Are you part of a group or club? There are prizes for the best float or parade entry … $100, $75, and $50. Why would you not be a part of something like that?
Following the parade, a meal and concert will bring the community together in the north dining room of the American Legion. The meal’s sponsors, J. T.’s Java Hut and Sports Grill and Bar, both in the Outlet Mall at Newton, invite you to enjoy a chuck wagon supper of comfort food with music by “The Greenhorns.” The Greenhorns perform bluegrass, classic country, and “the songs of America” according to dobro and guitar player Rollin Schmidt of Goessel.
“You’ll enjoy them,” said Peabody Main Street Interim Director Shane Marler. “I heard them at the music festival in Winfield in September. They’re a good group of guys and they’re fun.”
Anyone with a 2008 candlestick pin will get all of this either free or at a discount. Plus you get an additional discount in the “Red pin/red present” bowling event topping the day’s activities at Peabody Lanes.
So, how could you skip any of this? Can I sell you a button yet? This is your community, this is where you park your boots and hang your hat. See you downtown on Saturday.
— Susan Marshall