News : The Christmas Season kicked off Thursday in Vinton!

There is so much going on over the next few weeks, you're going to flip! I'll go through the basic information, but please feel free to call or email with more detailed questions. Go grab yourself a cup of coffee and we'll get started with the list of events...

Holiday Lighted Parade & Christmas Tree Lighting

November 17th (Tonight)

The 3rd Annual Lighted Holiday Parade is taking place tonight at 6pm. The parade starts near the Methodist Church and the old Lincoln school building and will end at the Benton County Courthouse. Once the parade ends at the Courthouse, get set to light the two 15 foot Christmas trees on the courthouse lawn! Shortly thereafter, Santa will make his way inside the courthouse to talk with kids and get their Christmas wishes. Be sure to bring the kids and they just might come away with a candycane and a huge smile on their face! If you don't have supper plans yet, be sure to stop by the firestation for the Lions Club Chili Supper. It will be served from 4:30pm - 7:30pm. All proceeds are going to the Honor Flight.

Christmas Open House

Sunday, November 20th

This Sunday, Vinton kicks off the shopping season with the Holiday Open House from 12 Noon until 4:00pm. Be sure to stop at stores througout town and take advantage of some great deals throughout our community! From here on out, many Vinton merchants will be open 7 days a week through Christmas to make sure shopping locally is convinient for YOU! Watch for extended shopping hours as Christmas gets a closer as well so you can get your hands on those last minute deals.

Dear Santa Program

Kicks off at 1pm on Sunday, November 20th

Santa will also be present on Sunday from 1pm - 4pm outside the Benton County Courthouse to take your letters and grant wishes this Christmas Season. Santa will be bringing Mrs. Clause, the Elves, and REAL Reindeer with him, so be sure to join us for the fun! Bring your letters with you and present them to Santa. He will be working on meeting the needs of those who send him letters this Christmas and if you need a little extra help with the essentials, please be sure to show up and leave your letter with him.

If you're interested in helping Santa provide needs to area families through the Dear Santa Program, please show up on Sunday and take a letter with you. You can adopt a family and provide them with essentials this Christmas season and also be entered in a contest to have Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Elves, and Real Reindeer show up at your home on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

For more information, or if you can't make it on the 20th, please write Santa at:

The North Pole

c/o 2-Jo's Farm

2253 73rd Street

Van Horne, IA 52346

or

Email to: jodi@2josfarm.com

www.dearsantaprogram.com

Vinton/Palo Holiday Train

Saturday, December 3rd

The Hawkeye Express will be back again this year and there is a lot going on. Tickets go on sale tomorrow (Friday, November 18th) and will most likely go fast. Check out the website for more information at www.paloholidayexpress.com. You'll be able to get the times, costs, and everything else you might need to make December 3rd a memorable day. Feel free to pass this along to others!

Feel free to contact Vinton Unlimited or stop by our website for more information. We're in the middle of a very busy time, but it is exciting to see all of the great things going on this Christmas season. Let me know if I can help with anything and please...pass the word to everyone you know!