Your Community Builder
Your Community Builder
The Carter County Chamber of Commerce invites everyone to usher in the holiday season at the 2024 Christmas Stroll on Thursday, December 5th, on Main Street in Ekalaka. This year's "Polar Express" Community Celebration promises a fun-filled evening with a variety of holiday activities for the entire family, starting at 4 p.m.
One of the highlights of the event is the Festival of Wreaths, which will be on display at the tennis court. Attendees can cast their votes for their favorite wreath, with plenty of tough competition. Artisans from a variety of local businesses-including Gardner Services, TSO Cantina, New Venture Brokers, The Alberta Airbnb, Dahl Memorial Healthcare, High Country Financial Group of Thrivent, Sagebrush Service Club, Hair Affair, Bowzer's Trucking, Town of Ekalaka, Wright Construction, C&T Rodeo, Beer Gulch Inn, Bruski Fencing, Carter County Public Health, Long Pines Veterinary, and others-will be competing for votes. The wreath with the most votes will win a special prize.
In addition to the wreaths, the festivities include the Twinkle Trail, Wagon Rides (weather permitting), Polar Bear Quest, a visit from Mr. & Mrs. Claus, Community Choir Carolers, Train Rides, Letters to Santa, a Photo Booth, games, and a "S'more Station." Ekalaka Public Schools will also participate with their own version of the Polar Express train, offering a reading of The Polar Express starting at 5 p.m., with readings every 15 minutes until 6 p.m.
The annual Tree Lighting ceremony, complete with the "Ringing of the Bells," will take place at 6 p.m. at Perso Park.
As visitors stroll through the town, they can enjoy treats, sales, and socializing at local businesses. Don't forget to look for your Festive Chamber Button number! If you haven't yet purchased a button, they will be available for $2 at the Carter County Museum through December 5th. Buying a button gives attendees the chance to win great prizes. Special thanks to Maggie Eshelman and Ryah Carroll for designing this year's buttons.
Supporting local businesses is also a key part of the event. Here's a rundown of what businesses will be offering during the Christmas Stroll:
• Community 1st Federal Credit Union: Serving coffee and cider to help visitors warm up.
• Gardner Services: Hosting games for children on the Triangle.
• Medicine Rocks Church: Serving hot chocolate and cookies from their trailer on Main Street.
• Ijkalaka Grocery: Offering 10% off gift items for Stroll Day.
• Cowboys and Angels: Sarah will be on Main Street with fun items and sweet treats.
• TSO Cantina: Featuring Coffee Corner specials and a Taco Bar from 4–9 p.m.
• Fruit Service and Repair, Inc .: Offering a 10% discount on tools storewide (cash sales on in-stock items only). There will also be prize drawings for kids, teens, and adults, plus Christmas treats starting at 10 a.m.
• High Country Financial Group of Thrivent: Serving hot chili at Krista's trailer on Main Street.
• Carter County Museum: Open until 6:30 p.m. with a 10% discount on gift shop items purchased on December 5th.
• Carter County Geological Society: Hosting a public meeting and presentation at 7 p.m.
• Bowzer's Trucking: Offering free popcorn at their booth at the Town Office.
• Town of Ekalaka: Enjoy a photo booth, holiday cotton candy, and a chance to snap a festive photo. The office will be open until 5:30 p.m.
• Ekalaka Public Library: Providing a chance to write a letter to Santa and mail it in one stop. Open until 6:00 p.m.
• Southeast Electric: Offering muffins and hot chocolate while visitors warm up, open until 6:30 p.m.
• A&A Stieg Wholesale: Open until 6:30 p.m., offering door prizes and a chance to browse the store.
• T Bar: Open for socializing throughout the event.
• Wagon Wheel Café: Serving soup from 6–8 p.m.
• Summit National Bank: Offering Christmas cookies to visitors.
• Guest House: Stop by to enjoy the Christmas decorations and refreshments.
• Carroll Customs: Hosting prize drawings throughout the evening.
• New Veterans Park: Be sure to visit the new monuments on display.
For more details about the Stroll activities, attendees can visit the Information Station near Perso Park.
The Christmas Stroll is an event designed to bring the community together for an evening of fun and holiday cheer. Everyone is invited to join in the celebration and help "ring" in the Christmas spirit!
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