PRAIRIE CITY — Dreaming of a white Christmas?

Snow or no snow, the upcoming Christmas on the Prairie celebration is bound to be “Merry and Bright!”

That’s the theme for this year’s event, set for Saturday, Nov. 23. This holiday gala draws crowds from Grant County and beyond. Sales, crafts, kids’ activities, food, music, games, prizes and much more will be happening all day and all over town.

Bazaar and raffle

Prairie City American Legion Auxiliary Post 106’s bazaar and raffle will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the cafeteria and foyer at Prairie City School. Over 20 vendors will pack the place.

Raffle items include a king-sized American flag crocheted afghan, a cord of firewood, a $100 Huffman’s Market gift certificate, two $50 Field’s grass-fed beef gift certificates, plus several gift baskets.

Raffle tickets are $1 each or six for $5. Contact any auxiliary member or call Lisa Rynearson at 541-620-0957.

The group will also have copies of its “Town and Country” cookbooks on sale for $20. The cookbooks, with new recipes added, were reprinted for the auxiliary’s 100th anniversary in 2023.

The Green Thumb Garden Club will be at the bazaar too, with their pie sale. Prairie City School’s junior class will offer cinnamon rolls, a baked potato bar, soup and beverages.

Also, several vendors will sell their wares in the Public Works Building on Front Street.

Community Center activities

The Prairie City Community Center will also be buzzing with activity.

At 11 a.m., under the direction of Julie Reynolds, Prairie City School’s fifth graders will present a production of “A Wolf’s Christmas Carol.”

From 12:30-3:30 p.m., kids and families can enjoy crafts and other activities such as face painting and making Christmas cards for Blue Mountain Care Center residents.

Prairie City School student art will be on display for a contest and refreshments will be available.

Santa and Mrs. Claus

Santa and Mrs. Claus are coming to town, too.

After visits to the bazaar and Blue Mountain Care Center, they’ll make a grand arrival at 12:30 p.m. on a Prairie City fire engine at the Community Center. They’ll be there until 3:30 p.m. for photos and gift wishes with young visitors.

They are eager to see everyone — even the grownups. Santa remembers visiting some of the parents and grandparents when they were youngsters.

“I’ve been coming to Prairie City for many, many, many years,” Santa said.

Mrs. Claus said she’s been busy with many chores including naming new reindeer, working on Santa’s list and helping design new toys with the elves.

More festive fun

At 4 p.m., everyone is welcome to join jolly Mr. and Mrs. Claus for the Christmas tree lighting and carol singing with live music at the north end of City Park.

And be sure to head back to the Community Center for Christmas bingo from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Concessions will be available.

Christmas on the Prairie wouldn’t be complete without the traditional ornament hunt contest — pick up an entry form at Roan or Bar WB, and search for specialty ornaments on display at businesses in town. After checking the ornaments off the list, return the form to either store for a chance to win a prize basket.

And as dusk falls on Christmas on the Prairie, be sure to admire the Community Center’s new permanent lighting. Colors can be programmed to suit the seasons, holidays and special community and school events.

Christmas on the Prairie is organized by the Greater Prairie City Community Association, with help from the American Legion Auxiliary and town businesses. For more information, contact the GPCCA at gpccaoffice@gmail.com or 541-306-2334, or visit the group’s Facebook page.