BROOKINGS – Volga is capturing the spirit of Christmas, and it’s inviting people to share some of that spirit on Saturday, with “An Old Fashioned Christmas in Volga.”
It’s billing its offering as “A Festive Day for the whole family!” And it’s “A Volga Tradition!”
“Last year and this year, it has really grown,” said Lorraine Schonewill, one of the organizers of the events.
Popular offerings include tours and rides: Horse-drawn wagon rides begin at the fire station at 1 p.m. and continue every half hour through 3:30 p.m.; a holiday light tour offers a choice of a warm bus or a brisk hay ride, also beginning at the fire station, at 5 p.m. and continuing every half hour through 6:30 p.m. Ride tickets are $5 each and can be purchased at the fire station.
“When we do the tours, like the bus rides, they go through the town of Volga,” Schonewill said. “They will take people on rides to see all of the Christmas decorations.”
Riders will have an opportunity to see how throughout the community of Volga people have decorated to get in the Christmas spirit.
Following the rides comes the Parade of Lights, at 7 p.m. And there is no charge for entering.
“We would like to get as many floats and parade entries as we can,” Schonewill added. “All we ask is that they show up at the First Lutheran Church parking lot by 6 p.m.”
Meanwhile throughout the afternoon, parents and kids can come to the fire station and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, have their picture taken and enjoy hot chocolate and holiday treats. There is no cost, but free will donations are welcome.
Also happening on Saturday is the Annual Volga Beta Psi’s Gallery of Gifts, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sioux Valley High School Gym. Now in its 39th year, the gallery is an established holiday tradition.
More than 70 vendors will be offering arts, crafts, food items and gifts suitable for everyone on your shopping list. And from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., lunch will be served by the Volga Boy Scouts.
Finally, there’s “Downtown in December,” presented by the city of Volga and the Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce. Taking place on Kasan Avenue at various times from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. are a variety of offerings:
• Pictures with Santa from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Valley Motorsports;
• Chili cook-off, register by 11:30 a.m. with voting finished by 1 p.m. at CC Bar & Grill;
• Holiday treats and fun from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Valley Fibercon;
• Free raffle (2 p.m.), five-minute massages (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) and 30-minute yoga classes (10 and 11 a.m.) at Larsen Chiropractic;
• Free hot chocolate from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Spot On Printing; and
• Concrete crafts and cider from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Artisan Concrete Concepts.
Contact John Kubal at jkubal@brookingsregister.com.
