SCLv12i6-Issuu

I love a good commercial Christmas
as much as anyone does. Get me
something that plugs in and cuts
wood, or anything that I can put
gas in, and I’m a happy guy. Even
so, I can appreciate the quieter
side of the holiday as well.
Benton has really stepped up its game
in recent years, drawing thousands
into the city with the upgrade of many
long-standing events and the creation
of several new ones. This year, after the
chaotic hilarity of the Coffin Races,
the laid-back ease of Old Fashioned
Days, and the family-friendly eeriness
of Spook City, they’ve created a line-up
of wonderful events throughout the
month of December that’ll make you
feel like you’ve been dropped square in
the middle of a Hallmark movie. Last
year’s City Christmas Tree Lighting
event was such a huge success that
they’ve expanded the celebrations
to the point where something’s
happening almost every night between
the 2nd and 22nd of December.
It all kicks off on the 2nd, with
the annual Christmas Parade at 6:00
P.M. in downtown Benton. Santa
will, of course, anchor the parade
and afterwards he’ll be available
for gift requests and pictures in the
gazebo on the courthouse lawn.
If you’ve never seen the Saline
County Courthouse lit for the Season,
it alone is worth the visit to Historic
Downtown Benton; but this year,
4 • Saline County Lifestyles
there’s so much more. Aside from
parade night, Santa will show up
several more times throughout the
month. Apparently, he’s shirking his
responsibilities to the rest of the world
this year, because by my count he’s
making eight separate appearances in
Benton alone throughout December.
Also, at the courthouse you may
see and hear carolers spreading their
Christmas cheer. You may find free
hot chocolate, cookies, s’mores, hot
cider, and other Christmas treats as
well. There’s a Special Needs night
on the 12th, and make sure to mark
your calendar for Character Night on
the 20th. I think this might finally
be the time for me to find a naive,
but willing, partner and break out
that old reindeer costume I’ve been
saving for just the right occasion.
While the courthouse will clearly
be busy throughout the month, it’s
not the only venue for fun. The Royal
Players will be performing “Miracle
on 34th Street” at the Royal Theater
from December 5th through December
15th. These will all be evening
performances except for the Sundays,
which will be matinees. On the 9th and
10th, Santa will stop by and remain
for pictures at the theater. While
they’re not available yet, tickets and
exact show times will soon be available
online at www.theroyalplayers.com.
The new Farmers Market, not to
be outdone, is also hosting several
events. These include a “Magical
Reindeer Food” Night with the Boys
and Girls Clubs of Saline County,
Story Time with Santa, a Snow Day,
a Christmas Cookie Contest, hot
chocolate stations, and much more.
Also, weather permitting; bring
your kids, coats, and lawn chairs to
the Cleo’s parking lot for an outdoor
screening of one of your favorite
children’s Christmas movies on the
14th. A survey, still underway
at the time of this writing,
will determine which of
several movies will screen.
These outdoor screenings,
which happen throughout
the year, always include some
kind of free concession like
popcorn and hot dogs.
In my opinion, aside
from The Actual Day,
the highlight of the
whole month is the City
Tree Lighting ceremony
held at the Farmers
Market on the 6th. This
event will include a
preview scene from