By Ken Cleveland
\nLandmark correspondent<\/p>\n
HOLDEN \u2014 If all goes according to plan, Santa will be very busy at the beginning of December.<\/p>\n
And that is just in Holden, where the Economic Development Commission, Parks and Recreation, and supporters of Holidays in Holden are getting things organized early this year.<\/p>\n
Last year, bringing back the event, they started organizing in September. This year, it is June and 7 Saws Brewing Co. was recently filled with supporters, including businesses, many of whom signed on to support the event, slated for Dec. 1-3.<\/p>\n
They have a fundraising target of $17,000 to fund the planned events, from the traditional tree lighting to activities for kids and adults.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe work together,\u201d Kathy Merk said of the combined effort.<\/p>\n
Holidays in Holden had not been done in 15 years, the EDC chair said, when the effort last September brought it back. In a few months, they had the event set with a tree lighting and other activities.<\/p>\n
Adding new things and working on recommendations from a survey, Recreation Director Angela Greene said that the goal was to \u201cmake Holden feel like a community,\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is amazing,\u201d Cynthia Klocek of the EDC said. \u201cI love Holden. The community is amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n
The supporters said many businesses want to join the effort, as evidenced by the businesses that showed up for the kickoff event, signing up as sponsors.<\/p>\n
An advisory committee was created so that the committee could include business people who were not Holden residents, those who were drawn to the town and the effort.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe goal is to have us be a Hallmark movie,\u201d Sabrina Heiniluoma of Wachu Makin said. \u201cWithout you, this will not happen.\u201d<\/p>\n
One goal is to \u201ckeep the night going,\u201d Klocek said, and not have it end when Santa leaves.<\/p>\n
The three-day event is planned to include opportunities to write letters to Santa, a gingerbread contest, and a dance floor for those ready to dance into a winter wonderland.<\/p>\n
A trolley makes it easy to travel between events, and this year a coach bus will add to the transportation options.<\/p>\n
The goal of raising $17,000, Heiniluoma said, is to fund all the activities planned as well as the trolley and bus, DJ, and other events with costs.<\/p>\n
Food trucks will expand the food offerings, but local restaurants will also showcase their food, with a friendly competition between restaurants.<\/p>\n
A parade of presents, which was popular last year, they said, could be supplemented by a petting zoo.<\/p>\n
A craft fair, outdoor games, firepits, tree lighting and dance party will keep the party going Dec. 1-3.<\/p>\n
Business sponsorships range from signs on the trolley to major sponsors. Some of the sponsorship options are already taken, but businesses can contact Greene for more information at 508-829-0263.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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