The holiday season has arrived in Cannon County with the annual merchants open house event, now know as Cannon Country Christmas. Decorations have been finding their way into store windows, trees are appearing around the square and large electric snowflakes are hanging on lamp posts.
Santa is scheduled to arrive today at 5:00pm. The grand ole’ elf will light the Christmas tree on the courthouse square. The new tree is a gift to the community from the Woodbury Lions Club. Member of the high school choir will provide music. Also at 5:00pm, Mrs. Claus will be visiting the Lehmam Street campus of REACH. Across the street at the Cannon County Senior Center, a Christmas Craft Bazaar begins that will be open Friday night until 9:00pm and Saturday from 8:00am until Noon.
At 6:00pm, Santa will be available for pictures at the Sweet Tooth Station on the Cannon Street side of the square. The photo session will last until 8:00pm and is made possible by the Historic Cannon County Chamber of Commerce. Santa’s visit is made possible by the support of Briar Rose, Old Feed Store Antique Mall, Joe’s Place and Sweet Tooth Station.
Most stores around the square and beyond will be open until 8:00pm. Many merchants will offer refreshments and door prizes.
On Saturday a children only parade with the Push, Pedal or Pull Parade is scheduled. Sue Patrick, CPA is the underwriter of this event. Children seven-years of age and younger are invited to bring their favorite non-motorized vehicle for the parade around the courthouse square. Santa will serve as Grand Marshall for the Parade which begins at 1:00pm.
One hour prior to the children’s parade at Noon, the Woodbury Lions Club will conduct their second Strides Walk for Diabetes. The walk will start on the courthouse square and continue to Brown-Spurlock Park on South McCrary Street. The Strides Walk will serve as the inaugural walk for the new track at Brown-Spurlock Park.
The Parade of Trees has several schools, businesses and organizations competing for best tree. Most of the trees are on display in the showroom of Jennings Motors.