Adair County is lighting up for the holiday season. From now through the end of December, there are plenty of ways to indulge in some Christmas cheer.
Operation Christmas Spirit, organized by the Columbia Police Department, will be making several stops over the next few weeks inviting people to “Cram the Cruiser.”
This Friday and Saturday, Cram the Cruiser opportunities will be available at the Dollar General on Campbellsville Rd., Jamestown St., and Russell Rd. These will last from 8 a.m. to closing. On Tuesday, Dec. 3, Cram the Cruiser will be at TJ Health Columbia to coincide with renaming Westlake Dr. to Wellness Way.
On Thursday, Dec. 5 and Friday, Dec. 6, donations will be taken at Walmart from 7 a.m. to closing. Save-a-Lot will host Operation Christmas Spirit on Monday, Dec. 9 from 8 a.m. to closing.
“You can buy new toys, socks, throws… it goes for the kids. We’ve taken on local kids in the community. We’ve partnered up with Heather Dudley at the Family Resource Center. But, it also goes to the elderly at the nursing home. That’s where the socks and throws go. Plus, we are going to do some food, too, for local families,” said Columbia Police Chief Evan Burton.
As part of Operation Christmas Spirit, outside of the Cram the Cruiser dates, boxes set up for socks and throws donations will be available at North Century Pharmacy, Bank of Columbia, BYO Bowl, Hooligan Burger, Burger King, and Certacare Pharmacy.
Mayor Pamela Hoots explained that the donations are given to families anonymously in part to help promote the magic of Christmas, as well as to not make anyone feel bad about receiving the gifts.
“This year, the response has been phenomenal. We did this last year. We had Santa that goes and delivers at some of them—literally—and nobody knows where they come from. We just drop them off at the house.”
After the success of their Halloween decorations contest, the police department will be taking note of houses with the best Christmas lights and displays throughout the month. A winner will be announced the week of Christmas.
Christmas decorations can be enjoyed at the Little League Parks’ fifth annual Drive-Through Christmas. Organizations, churches, businesses, and individuals participate in decking the park, and their work can be seen starting this Saturday.
At the new Citizens Park on Burkesville Street, several churches have signed up to host nativity scenes or caroling throughout December. On Thursday, Dec. 5 and Friday, Dec. 6, Bloomington Chapel will be in the park. On Saturday, Dec. 7, Pickett’s Chapel will take up the duties after the parade concludes. Both the Drive-Through Christmas and the Citizens Park’s nativity scenes and caroling are free to the public.
Adair County’s headline Christmas event is, as always, the parade. An hour earlier than prior years, the parade is slated to start at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7. Floats, decorated non-floats, and other vehicles will be there along with music provided by the Adair County Band (who, this year, has invited alumni to participate). This year’s theme is “A Traditional Christmas.”
By Kenley Godby
kenley@adairvoice.com
