Friend Community Club finalizing plans for annual Christmas Festival

FRIEND - Thanksgiving is still four weeks away, but the city of Friend is already planning for a celebration well beyond that.

Friend's 13th annual Christmas Festival is set for Wednesday, Dec. 11, which is now less than six weeks away, believe it or not.

Members of the Friend Community Club gathered at the Hardwood Artisan headquarters Wednesday night to talk about their plans for the annual festival.

Friend Community Club president Mark Stutzman said the city's annual Christmas celebration is a great way for families from the local area and beyond to enjoy the holiday season.

"It's a great time for families to come out," he said. "Kids love Santa Claus. The folks love the supper and all of the other activities. It's just a great community and family event."

The event on Dec. 11 will start with a soup supper at the Friend Community Building at 5 p.m. There's also a Christmas prize basket drawing with ticket sale proceeds going toward the Community Club. Gift baskets come from area businesses and community members, and usually range from $25-$100 in value.

There'll also be an appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus, hay rack rides and more. There was also talk Wednesday of a potential Christmas lighting contest, but details on that are still being ironed out.

While the supper will be in the Community Building, all other activities will take place in the San Carlo Room inside the Friend Historical Society.

Stutzman estimates over 500 people attended the festival last year when it was held on Dec. 12.

Anyone wanting to know more information can contact the Friend Community Club.

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