No shortage of upcoming holiday activities

There's no shortage of things to do as the Christmas holiday approaches, but there are a few things McCook residents should seriously consider taking in.

The first is the McCook Community College Theater production of "A Christmas Carol," set for Thursday through Saturday night and Sunday afternoon at the Weeth Theater on the MCC campus. Evening performances are at 7:30 and the Sunday matinee is 1:30 p.m.

Once you're in the holiday mood, it'll be time to see Santa, who will arrive at the airport at 10 a.m. Saturday and appear at his headquarters at 217 Norris Ave. from 2 to 4 p.m. every Saturday until Christmas.

Stick around, because the Quasquicentennial Committee has organized street corner musicians, carolers, carriage rides and an appearance by "A Christmas Carol" actors in downtown McCook from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Brats and hot dogs, S'mores, hot chocolate and hot cider also will be served by the Lions Club, Boy Scouts, Rotary and Eastern Star.

The KFNF Christmas Light Parade gets bigger every year. It opens with the Norris Park lighting ceremony at 6 p.m., and wends its way down Norris Avenue to A Street.

Following Sunday's 1:30 "A Christmas Carol" matinee, the Community Chorus Christmas Concert is set for 4 p.m. at the United Methodist Church. This year's production includes a string section.

And that's only this weekend. Every weekend until Christmas promises to be nearly as busy, with the Ladies Sweet Tea set for 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at McCook Christian Church.

Later that night, the George W. Norris Foundation Governor's Ball begins with a social hour at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 and program at 8 p.m.

The Lonny Lynn Orchestra will perform from 8:30 to 11 p.m.

And those are just a sampling of events, for McCook, for the next few weeks -- area towns have a full schedule of their own.

There's no better way to get into the holiday spirit than take time off from shopping, cooking and cleaning than to take in a concert, parade, play, or watch the kids visit with Santa Claus.

So check your calendar and take in as many community events as you can.