SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY AT HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS

For those looking to get into the Christmas spirit, the Freeman Community Center on Wipf Street will be the place to be next Thursday, Dec. 1 where a host of holiday-related activities will take place from 4 to 8 p.m.

And there will be something for everyone at the Freeman Community Development Corporation-organized event, from an opportunity for children to visit with Santa Claus to make-and-take ornaments for the tree to bingo and the chance to win a holiday ham. There will also be free hot chocolate and free taverns and chips, all made possible thanks to participating businesses and organizations.

This year’s Hometown Christmas and Mistletoe Market will also provide an opportunity for the public to support local businesses — home-based and otherwise — by purchasing items that will make for great Christmas gifts. Eighteen vendors will be on site at the community center offering a host of products that range from hand-made goods to jams and jellies to kitchen utilities and much more.

Additionally on Dec. 1, a number of businesses will have extended hours and holiday discounts, and horse-drawn carriage rides will be offered free of charge from the corner of Main and Fourth streets.

While a version of Hometown Christmas and Mistletoe Market has been taking place in the Freeman community for years, this one will be the biggest, thanks largely to additional activities and the consolidation of the holiday-themed extravaganza into one location.

The Freeman Community Center is the former gym/music room/lunchroom used by Freeman Public. It is located at 224 S. Wipf Street.

A complete list of vendors and activities is included in the advertisement on page 6B.