City prepares for visit from Old St. Nick

By LORRIE KINKADE

The Trimble Banner

Santa Claus is coming to town – in just nine more days.

Thanks to the awesome connections Rita Davis has with the jolly ole elf, Santa will again make a guest appearance at Light Up Bedford.

The town’s annual kick-off to Christmas celebration will take place Friday, Dec. 5 with food, gift shops and live entertainment leading up to Santa’s grand entrance at 6 p.m. at the courthouse square.

The “Celebrate the Season” festivities will begin at noon when Morgan Community Center opens the doors to shoppers interested in perusing gift shops operated by local vendors. From handmade crafts to jewelry and specialty coffees, Davis said items will be varied and priced as low as 25-cents.

“There will really be something for everybody. This is a good time for kids to buy for their moms or teachers,” Davis said.

At 5:30 p.m., volunteers with Bedford Rotary Club will begin serving dinner at the center. For only $6 for adults and $3 for children, diners can enjoy a hot bowl of chili, sandwich, drink and dessert. All proceeds from the meals will benefit the community programs Rotary sponsors.

At 6 p.m., the excitement will shift to the courthouse square. Following the traditional reading of The Christmas Story and music by the Trimble County Middle School choir, members of Bedford Fire Department will escort Santa Claus to the square where he will lead the countdown to light up the town.

After the switch is thrown and Bedford is all aglow, entertainment will continue at the community center. Rotary members will serve dinner until 9 p.m. and city officials will offer free refreshments, including cookies, punch and hot cider.

Gift shops will also remain open until 9 p.m. and entertainment will continue with soloist Darion Drake, local Girl Scouts and the Trimble County Middle School choir and band.

Santa will visit with children of all ages at the center throughout the evening.

In conjunction with the community event, Davis said an open house will be held at the Trimble County Public Library from 5-7:30 p.m.

Additionally, the Trimble County Arts Council will host an open house from 5-8 p.m. at Apple Tree Art Studio’s new location at 101 Main Street in Bedford.

For more information on the city of Bedford’s plans to celebrate the season, contact Davis at (502) 255-4879.