Christmas in Downtown Anna celebration set

The 2012 holiday season is scheduled to kick off in downtown Anna with a special celebration on Saturday, Nov. 24.

Christmas in Downtown Anna is planned from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 24. Activities are being spearheaded by members of the Downtown Anna organization.

The Nov. 24 celebration will tie in with the observance of National Shop Local Day.

A wide range of events are planned in downtown Anna.

Pictures with Santa will be available from 10 a.m. to noon at Anna-Jonesboro National Bank and from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 326 Productions.

A tree lighting is scheduled at 6 p.m.

Carolers will be singing throughout the day. Those who want to go caroling can contact Sarah at 833-8506 for more information.

The best decorated Christmas house and business will be judged after 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 23. To be a part of the contest, call 833-1961 before 4 p.m. on Nov. 21. Winners of the contest will be announced at the tree lighting.

Booth rentals will be available from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 24 at Coffman's Martial Arts. For more information, call 618-521-3323.

Gingerbread House Contest

A gingerbread house contest will be part of the festivities.

Cash prizes will be awarded in two divisions: adults and children.

In the children's division, first place will win $25, $15 for second place and $10 for third place.

In the adult division, first place will win $75, second place $50 and third place $25.

Rules for the contest follow:

Gingerbread houses must be made entirely of edible ingredients.

No kits in the adult division.

The children's division is for ages 12 and under.

Entries are to be brought to the Southern Real Estate Group office at 337 S. Main St.

Entries are to be brought to the office Monday through Wednesday, Nov. 19-21, or Friday, Nov. 23. The office is open from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

Gingerbread houses will remain on display until Dec. 7.

All participants will be asked to fill out an entry form before leaving the office.

Winners will be announced and prizes awarded after 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 24.

Mt. Moriah Lutheran Church, Anna

Mt. Moriah plans to host an open house at the church from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.  on Nov. 24. There will be activities for kids and refreshments for everyone.

Arts Center Holiday Bazaar

The Anna Arts Center in Anna is planning to host a  holiday bazaar which will cover the spectrum for artists, from paintings, stained glass, knives with deer horn handles and quilts to other pieces of art.

As part of the Downtown Anna Christmas Celebration, the holiday bazaar is Saturday, Nov. 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Anna Arts Center at 117 W. Davie St., next to Jim and Dot’s.

There are a few spaces left for artists or crafters. The space is a 10 by 10 square with a 5-foot round table if desired.

The cost is $25 per space. Mail the following information to the Anna Arts Center, 125 W. Davie St., Anna, Ill. 62906: name, address, phone and email. Make checks payable to the Anna Arts Center.

For more information, call Lee at 618-833-6525 or email vabchlee@gmail.com.

Event for Young People

The Anna Arts Center also plans to host an event for young people to explore the arts on Friday, Nov. 23, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The event is being planned to give parents a chance to go Christmas shopping on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, and leave the kids at the arts center.

The cost is $30 or $5 an hour and includes snacks and lunch.

Those who want to attend must register by Saturday, Nov. 17.

Send a check made out to Anna Arts Center and mail to 125 W. Davie St., Anna, Ill. 62906. Include your name, address, phone number, email address, name of the child and time the child will attend.

For more information, call Lee’s cell phone at 904-625-1109 or email vabchlee@gmal.com.

Shop at Home

Anna-Jonesboro National Bank and The Gazette-Democrat are sponsoring a Shop at Home for Christmas campaign.

The campaign begins Nov. 22 and continues through Dec. 22.

During the five-week campaign, shoppers at participating merchants' stores will have a chance to register for weekly prizes of $100. A final grand prize of at least $500 will be drawn on the Saturday before Christmas.

All prizes will be awarded as certificates redeemable only at participating businesses.

Look for more about the Shop at Home for Christmas campaign in upcoming issues of the paper.