Bonner Springs will kick off a Candy Cane Christmas and Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3.
Bonner Springs will have a parade followed by the Mayor’s Christmas tree lighting at Centennial Park, 200 E. 3rd St.
Joy Gilrath of Vaughn-Trent Community Services said children in Bonner Springs elementary schools will participate in the events this year, and there will be parade entries from the VFW, Santa and Mrs. Claus and helpers, the Grinch, Snow Queen, Olaf and other fun characters.
The parade lines up at 5 p.m. at the Bonner Springs Christian Church, 148 N. Nettleton. The parade route will be from Nettleton to Oak to Centennial Park.
A Candy Cane Hunt is planned at Centennial Park at 4:30 p.m., and the Christmas tree lighting is at 5:45 p.m.
Those attending may go to the Community Center, have hot cocoa, and take pictures with Santa Claus, she said.
If they take a picture with Santa Claus, they may bring a canned good to donate to Vaughn-Trent Community Services, although that is not required, she added.
Another highlight of the evening will be the Bonner Springs High School Project Graduation, where high school students will have a Walking Taco fundraiser. Those attending this event may make a donation to Project Graduation, if desired.
Gilrath said her favorite part of the event is seeing people coming to Bonner Springs, seeing what Bonner Springs is all about and spending time with their families at Christmas.
All events are free and open to the public, she said. It is optional to donate a canned good or to donate to Project Graduation.
There will be vendors and merchants open to 6 p.m. on Oak Street in downtown Bonner Springs, she added.
Sponsors of the event are Vaughn-Trent Community Services, the city of Bonner Springs and the Business and Professional Women.
The schedule of events includes:
– 4:30 p.m., a Candy Cane Hunt at Centennial Park;
– 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Project Graduation Walking Tacos fundraiser, at the Community Center Gymnasium, 200 E. 3rd St.;
– 5 p.m., Parade Line-up at Bonner Springs Christian Church, 148 N. Nettleton;
– 5:30 p.m. Parade, Nettleton to Oak to Centennial Park;
– 5:45 p.m., Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting at Centennial Park, performance by elementary school choirs.
– 6:15 p.m., Pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, with hot cocoa and cookies, Community Center Gymnasium, 200 E. 3rd St