Published: November 28, 2009 07:50 am      

Area communities plan holiday events

Now that the season’s holidays are arriving, communities in the Woodward area are preparing to celebrate.

In Mooreland, a Santa visit will be held Sunday for children who want to speak with the jolly old elf and have their pictures taken with him. The event will begin at 6 p.m. and will take place in the City Park, according to Tim Schnoebelen of the Mooreland Leader.

Fort Supply’s fire department will get in on the activities by conducting a "Toys for Tots" drive soon after Thanksgiving Day. For more details, residents may call Fort Supply City Hall and ask to speak with City Clerk Mindy Albino at (580) 766-3211.

A food drive also will be held by the Fort Supply Baptist Church, the Roadway Church and the Fort Supply Methodist Church, according to Albino, who may be called for more information about that event as well.

In Fairview, a community dinner will be held Thanksgiving Day from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Methodist Church, according to Jeannie Marlin, Fairview Chamber of Commerce director. The following week, on Dec. 5, the community will offer tax free shopping from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at its various businesses, and on Dec. 6 at 1 p.m. Fairview Hospital will offer a tour of homes.

On Dec. 8 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., the downtown fireworks will be held, Marlin said, noting businesses will also be open until 8:30 p.m. that day for late shopping.

On Christmas Day, a free Sheriff’s Community Dinner will be held at the Major County fair building from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

People will bring salads to the dinner and donations will be accepted, Marlin said. Meals also will be delivered to the homebound, she said, noting, “this is a very busy time for us.”

In Buffalo, the Buffalo Theatre will offer several Christmas productions, such as the 2009 version of “A Christmas Carol,” according to James Leonard, economic development director for the community. The movie will be held on Thanksgiving Day at 7:30 p.m. and will continue through Nov. 28.

On Dec. 12, he said, a Santa Day will be held at 2 p.m. with a Christmas matinee at the theater. Free hotdogs will be given and Santa will visit and give away candy, he said.

A Christmas program will also be held at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Buffalo High School cafeteria, Leonard said.

Freedom will join in with a Santa Day on Dec. 13.

The day starts with a community church service at 11:30 a.m. at the American Legion hall, according to Terry Smith of the Freedom Chamber of Commerce. A free lunch will follow and games will be held for children. At approximately 2:30 p.m., Santa will visit the kids and then will leave on a fire truck to distribute candy to the homebound.

There are no charges and the event is free, Smith said.

On Dec. 31, a New Year’s Eve dinner and dance will be held on behalf of the Freedom Chamber, she said. The free event will feature a swing band and will begin at 7 p.m. at the American Legion building.