Christmas begins in November, in Vinton, where Santa will greet children at the courthouse after the annual Veterans Lighted Patriotic Christmas Parade this Thursday, Nov. 17. Line-up begins at 5:30 at the corner of 2nd Ave. and 6th Street for the parade, which begins at 6 p.m. If you'd like to "Ëœmarch' in the parade, put a float in or just come to watch, ALL are welcome! Please use a Christmas and/or patriotic theme for your float. Please no Santa, as he is already here from the North Pole. If you have any questions and/or would like to be in the parade (however pre-registration is not required), call one of the following - Ron Geiger - V.F.W. Post 8884, 319-310-7719; Bobbi Enos - Am. Legion Post 57, 319-654-4114; Dennis Miller - Am. Vets, 319-573-4891 All individuals, families, organizations, businesses and churches are invited. Lion's Chili Supper at fire station Thursday The Vinton Lions Club is holding its annual fund-raising chili supper at the fire station from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. The free-will donation event is a fund-raiser for the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight organization. Holiday Open House Sunday The annual Vinton Unlimited Holiday Open House will take place from 12 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20, at local businesses, which will offer refreshments, sales and other activities. VU is planning special events for upcoming Sundays, as well. Vinton-Shellsburg High School students from the FFA and NHS helped decorate businesses on Saturday, putting up the greenery, wreaths and ribbons sold for a GOVS scholarship fund-raiser. See photos of that decorating effort HERE.