Submitted by Mari Fergurson

The State Theater Arts Council is proud to announce the sponsorship of our annual “Christmas on State Street” celebration on Saturday, December 10. The festivities will be held from 10 AM to 2 PM and State Street will be closed for traffic from 5th to 7th Street. We hope that all businesses participate in this wonderful event to kick-off the holiday season and spend a few hours of entertainment and fellowship. Activities are planned for young and old alike.
Highlights include a children’s program in the theater at 10 AM featuring Paul Mesner. Mesner Puppets, now in its 29th season, is a globally known professional puppet theatre company based in Kansas City, Missouri. The company performs a local season of plays as well as tours nationally and internationally to more than 30,000 audiences annually.
After the show, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will make their appearance, arriving via firetruck, where they will be escorted into the theater so all the good boys and girls can let them know what they would love to find under the tree on Christmas morning. Just in case someone worries that Santa may forget their wish, a mailbox will be available in the lobby of the theater where letters to Santa may be dropped. The State Theater Arts Council will forward all letters to the North Pole!
While the young people are being entertained, food and craft booths sponsored by local organizations and churches will be set up so you can meander down the street looking at the windows and shopping for seasonal items such as Christmas Cookies, hot chocolate and one-of-a-kind gifts crafted by some of the area’s most talented artisans.
At 5:30 PM the evening festivities begin with the lighting of the “Mayor’s Christmas Tree,” located just east of Mound City Lumber. Following the lighting of the Mayor’s Tree, the State Theater proudly presents the Dolores Ideker Memorial Christmas show featuring the KC Chorale. This performance will be at 7:30 PM.
Now is the time to spread the Christmas Spirit! If you would like to set up a booth or display on State Street to sell such items as crafts, decorations, food, cookies, hot chocolate, etc., please call Sandy Podany at 402-659-2894 by December 5.