Small Town Christmas

I love a good commercial Christmas as much as anyone does. Get me something that plugs in and cuts wood, or anything that I can put gas in, and I’m a happy guy. Even so, I can appreciate the quieter side of the holiday as well. 

Benton has really stepped up its game in recent years, drawing thousands into the city with the upgrade of many long-standing events and the creation of several new ones. This year, after the chaotic hilarity of the Coffin Races, the laid-back ease of Old Fashioned Days, and the family-friendly eeriness of Spook City, they’ve created a line-up of wonderful events throughout the month of December that’ll make you feel like you’ve been dropped square in the middle of a Hallmark movie. Last year’s City Christmas Tree Lighting event was such a huge success that they’ve expanded the celebrations to the point where something’s happening almost every night between the 2nd and 22nd of December. 

It all kicks off on the 2nd, with the annual Christmas Parade at 6:00 P.M. in downtown Benton. Santa will, of course, anchor the parade and afterwards he’ll be available for gift requests and pictures in the gazebo on the courthouse lawn.

If you’ve never seen the Saline County Courthouse lit for the Season, it alone is worth the visit to Historic Downtown Benton; but this year, there’s so much more. Aside from parade night, Santa will show up several more times throughout the month. Apparently, he’s shirking his responsibilities to the rest of the world this year, because by my count he’s making eight separate appearances in Benton alone throughout December.

Also, at the courthouse you may see and hear carolers spreading their Christmas cheer. You may find free hot chocolate, cookies, s’mores, hot cider, and other Christmas treats as well. There’s a Special Needs night on the 12th, and make sure to mark your calendar for Character Night on the 20th. I think this might finally be the time for me to find a naive, but willing, partner and break out that old reindeer costume I’ve been saving for just the right occasion.

While the courthouse will clearly be busy throughout the month, it’s not the only venue for fun. The Royal Players will be performing “Miracle on 34th Street” at the Royal Theater from December 5th through December 15th. These will all be evening performances except for the Sundays, which will be matinees. On the 9th and 10th, Santa will stop by and remain for pictures at the theater. While they’re not available yet, tickets and exact show times will soon be available online at www.theroyalplayers.com.

The new Farmers Market, not to be outdone, is also hosting several events. These include a “Magical Reindeer Food” Night with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Saline County, Story Time with Santa, a Snow Day, a Christmas Cookie Contest, hot chocolate stations, and much more.

Also, weather permitting; bring your kids, coats, and lawn chairs to the Cleo’s parking lot for an outdoor screening of one of your favorite children’s Christmas movies on the 14th. A survey, still underway at the time of this writing, will determine which of several movies will screen. These outdoor screenings, which happen throughout the year, always include some kind of free concession like popcorn and hot dogs.

In my opinion, aside from The Actual Day, the highlight of the whole month is the City Tree Lighting ceremony held at the Farmers Market on the 6th. This event will include a preview scene from “Miracle on 34th Street” acted out by the Royal Players as well as a feature performance by young people from The Dancer’s Edge Studio. Last year’s dance was an unexpectedly emotional experience for all who attended and I, like many others, am hopefully anticipating a repeat this year. There’ll be refreshments for everyone and not only will Santa be there, but the Grinch as well. Both will be available for pictures, but I suspect only Santa will be accepting gift requests. The night culminates with the countdown to the lighting of the tree that will remain up and lit through the holidays. If you want to experience in person all of the feelings that those Hallmark Movies try to evoke, come to this event. It’s the real deal. It defines hometown.

I love a good commercial Christmas as much as anyone does. Get me something that plugs in and cuts wood, or anything that I can put gas in, and I’m a happy guy. Even so, I can appreciate the quieter side of the holiday as well. 

Benton has really stepped up its game in recent years, drawing thousands into the city with the upgrade of many long-standing events and the creation of several new ones. This year, after the chaotic hilarity of the Coffin Races, the laid-back ease of Old Fashioned Days, and the family-friendly eeriness of Spook City, they’ve created a line-up of wonderful events throughout the month of December that’ll make you feel like you’ve been dropped square in the middle of a Hallmark movie. Last year’s City Christmas Tree Lighting event was such a huge success that they’ve expanded the celebrations to the point where something’s happening almost every night between the 2nd and 22nd of December. 

It all kicks off on the 2nd, with the annual Christmas Parade at 6:00 P.M. in downtown Benton. Santa will, of course, anchor the parade and afterwards he’ll be available for gift requests and pictures in the gazebo on the courthouse lawn.

If you’ve never seen the Saline County Courthouse lit for the Season, it alone is worth the visit to Historic Downtown Benton; but this year, there’s so much more. Aside from parade night, Santa will show up several more times throughout the month. Apparently, he’s shirking his responsibilities to the rest of the world this year, because by my count he’s making eight separate appearances in Benton alone throughout December.

Also, at the courthouse you may see and hear carolers spreading their Christmas cheer. You may find free hot chocolate, cookies, s’mores, hot cider, and other Christmas treats as well. There’s a Special Needs night on the 12th, and make sure to mark your calendar for Character Night on the 20th. I think this might finally be the time for me to find a naive, but willing, partner and break out that old reindeer costume I’ve been saving for just the right occasion.

While the courthouse will clearly be busy throughout the month, it’s not the only venue for fun. The Royal Players will be performing “Miracle on 34th Street” at the Royal Theater from December 5th through December 15th. These will all be evening performances except for the Sundays, which will be matinees. On the 9th and 10th, Santa will stop by and remain for pictures at the theater. While they’re not available yet, tickets and exact show times will soon be available online at www.theroyalplayers.com.

The new Farmers Market, not to be outdone, is also hosting several events. These include a “Magical Reindeer Food” Night with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Saline County, Story Time with Santa, a Snow Day, a Christmas Cookie Contest, hot chocolate stations, and much more.

Also, weather permitting; bring your kids, coats, and lawn chairs to the Cleo’s parking lot for an outdoor screening of one of your favorite children’s Christmas movies on the 14th. A survey, still underway at the time of this writing, will determine which of several movies will screen. These outdoor screenings, which happen throughout the year, always include some kind of free concession like popcorn and hot dogs.

In my opinion, aside from The Actual Day, the highlight of the whole month is the City Tree Lighting ceremony held at the Farmers Market on the 6th. This event will include a preview scene from “Miracle on 34th Street” acted out by the Royal Players as well as a feature performance by young people from The Dancer’s Edge Studio. Last year’s dance was an unexpectedly emotional experience for all who attended and I, like many others, am hopefully anticipating a repeat this year. There’ll be refreshments for everyone and not only will Santa be there, but the Grinch as well. Both will be available for pictures, but I suspect only Santa will be accepting gift requests. The night culminates with the countdown to the lighting of the tree that will remain up and lit through the holidays. If you want to experience in person all of the feelings that those Hallmark Movies try to evoke, come to this event. It’s the real deal. It defines hometown.

For details on dates and times of all the fun times mentioned above, check out the calendar of events at www.bentonar.org. ”