Council Lights Christmas Tree

The City of Council kicked off the Christmas season with a variety of activities and celebrations on Saturday, December 7th. For a few days before, Council Valley had been blanketed by an inversion, keeping temperatures below freezing and allowing development of glistening ice crystals on everything. This frosted landscape was the perfect backdrop for the day’s events, many of which were sponsored by the Council Chamber of Commerce.

The Craft Fair at the Council Assembly of God began in the morning, and went on through the afternoon. This much anticipated annual event seemed even larger this year, and featured a wide variety of local vendors, selling everything from dried flowers and potpourri, to fresh bread, jams, and mead. Many vendors donated items to a silent auction, which was a benefit for the Royal Rangers and the Girls Club. There was also a small craft fair going on at the library, called The Wee Elf Christmas Bazaar. New this year, it featured a few different local vendors selling many handmade goods.

Also going on was the 10th annual Antler Contest and Silent Auction presented by Council FFA alumni. Always a big event, this took place at the Rec Center, and featured raffles, a chili cook off, and a pie contest. Proceeds went to support the Council FFA.

The Christmas Town Celebration hosted by the Chamber of Commerce featured the Santa House and Craft Make and Take. Nine different businesses and organizations participated in the Craft Make and Take: Huptye, Tosha’s Tinctures, M&W, ACHC, the Library, the Extension Office, Council Coffee, City Hall, and the Dollar General. At each location, there was a small Christmas craft for children to do while parents perused the stores. The Santa House was located downtown at the corner of 203 Illinois. There was a Christmas Train Village, two beautiful Christmas backdrops for pictures, Santa, and his elves, who had goodie bags for everyone. Professional photos were available and the proceeds went to the Chamber of Commerce to help fund the events.

After dark, the community gathered together at City Park to light the Christmas Tree, which looked especially beautiful this year glistening in ice. There were fire pits set up around the park, and The Chamber was selling hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and hand warmers. Will Montgomery had set up a sound system for announcements and to play Christmas music. After the tree lighting, someone started a small fireworks show on the hill that was visible to everyone at the park. It was a beautiful evening, and later that night, it started to snow!

Thank you to everyone who helped to put together this Christmas Town Celebration!