Waldorff To Lead Christmas Parade Two parades, arts fest, movie, run, & Settlement Christmas this weekend!

BY KRISTY TERRY, CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR The Christmas season is kicking off in Calhoun County Dec. 3-4 with a variety of activities the whole family is sure to enjoy. Here is a lineup of all weekend events:- MILK AND COOKIES WITH SANTA – Join Santa Claus for milk and cookies Thursday, Dec. 2, at 4 p.m. at the M & B Train Depot Museum. Kids will be able to enjoy free cookies with Santa as they share their wish list. Photos will be available.- DOWNTOWN TREE LIGHTING is set for 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, at Magnolia Square. Christmas carols will be heard from miles around as the City of Blountstown lights the gigantic tree on the square. City Hall – 850/674-5488.- MOVIE ON THE SQUARE, a free event sponsored by Blountstown Main Street, will follow the tree lighting on Friday night at Magnolia Square. The new version of the old classic “A Christmas Carol” will be presented on the big screen. The movie is free, along with popcorn and koolaid. Other refreshments will be available for a small fee. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and join the fun at Magnolia Square! - JINGLE BELL RUN – Bells ringing, people laughing, and lots of fun are just some of the reasons that you need to register for the 2nd Annual Jingle Bell Run/Walk on Friday, December 3 at 7p.m. The race will begin downtown at Magnolia Square. The cost of the 5k is $16 and $12 for the 1 Mile Fun Run. The entry fee includes a long-sleeve t-shirt and jingle bells. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged to ensure that you receive a t-shirt and jingle bells prior to the race. Proceeds will go to Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the National Junior Honor Society at Blountstown Middle School. Registration forms and money are due by November 20, 2010 to guarantee a t-shirt by the event. Registration forms are available at Blountstown Middle School or on the BMS website. Contact Marie Castaneda at 674-8234 or 643-7453 if you have any questions. - CHRISTMAS ON THE SQUARE FESTIVAL – Held at Magnolia Square, the local Eastern Star will be hosting Christmas on the Square from 9 a.m. until after the Christmas parade on Saturday. The event will feature all sorts of food, arts, crafts, and items perfect for your holiday gift giving. Barbara Ellison – 850/762-4081.- CHRISTMAS PARADES – Altha parade at 1 p.m. and the second in Blountstown at 5 p.m. The theme this year is “Rock & Roll Christmas”. Line up for the Altha parade will be behind Altha Public School. Entries MUST be in place absolutely no later than 12:30 P.M. Line up for the Blountstown parade will be at Blountstown High School. If you would like for your entry to be judged, line up at 3:30 P.M. behind the BHS Field House in the stadium parking area. Judging will begin at 4:00 P.M. and the winners will be presented ribbons at 4:30 P.M. Non-judged entries should line up at 4:00 P.M. Attendants will direct participants to correct locations. 850/674-4519 or kristy@calhounco.org or get all information from www.calhounco.org.- CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION AT THE PANHANDLE PIONEER SETTLEMENT is set to follow the Blountstown parade and last until 9 p.m. The event will feature tours of the cabins, a variety of treats, hayrides, storytelling, a puppet show, marshmallow roast, and carols. 850/674-2777 or www.ppmuseum.org.