Christmas heads to the county

The annual Christmas in the County is just about here, and there’s no shortage of fun and baked goods on the agenda to enjoy.

Christmas in the County will be 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday at the Mower County Historical Society, and pre-bake sale is from 4 to 6 p.m on Friday.

“It’s our last big event of the year, so we’re looking to finish big,” Executive Director John Haymond said. “The weather looks like it’s going to be nice and temperate this year, and people should definitely come out and enjoy it.”

This will be Haymond’s first year helping with the event after he started in Mower County over the summer, and he is anticipating a good day.

“This will be a learning experience for me as well,” Haymond said. “It seems like it’s coming together pretty nicely this year so we’re excited.”

Saturday will feature horse-drawn wagon rides; raffle drawings for $1 per ticket and 15 different prizes, including a handmade quilt, hotel-stay gift cards, food gift cards and more; children’s activities, including cookie decorating, making a pinecone bird-feeder, visiting with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Clause; and blowing the 10-04 train whistle, which is hooked up a few times each year.

There will also be be a silent auction with donated items such as arts and crafts, framed art, food baskets, baskets filled with other goodies, Mower County Dairy Association cheese, gift cards and more.

“[There’s] a little bit of everything,” Haymond said.

Proceeds from the event go to the Historical Society to help generate funds for the next year.