Getting ready for the holiday season

There are plenty of events this weekend to catch the holiday spirit in Farmington.

The Farmington Downtown Development Association with the Farmington Regional Chamber hosts the annual Christmas Open House from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday at downtown businesses.

Brittany Gladbach, member services and events coordinator with the chamber said the event gives businesses an opportunity to decorate for the holidays, showcasing their hard work and dedication to their business and the downtown area as well.

“This time of year gives the opportunity to showcase our downtown area,” she said. “We continually thank our merchants, city workers, and all who put in the constant effort to keep historic downtown Farmington extraordinary.”

A list of participating merchants and their specials will be available at www.farmingtonregionalchamber.com.

The 35th annual St. Joseph Craft Fair is also scheduled for Saturday. The event features more than 80 vendors, bake sale, book fair and concessions.

The craft fair runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the St. Joseph Catholic School gymnasium, located at 501 Ste. Genevieve Ave.

The Farmington Christian Church, located at 201 W. Columbia St. will host their annual fall bazaar beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday. Those attending are asked to use the side door near the Masonic Hall.

The bazaar will feature homemade items, jellies and chili along with craft items, a quilt raffle, a painting by a local artist, Ernie Medley and a biblical chest by wood craftsman, Gene Thompson. Homemade food will be served in the tea room from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Carry-outs will be available.

The Krekeler Jeweler’s Christmas Parade hosted by the Farmington Regional Chamber of Commerce will be held in downtown Farmington at 6 p.m. on Dec. 8.

The theme of this year’s event is “Festival of Trees”. The parade will travel through the heart of beautiful downtown Farmington, beginning at Columbia and A Street, making its way east on Columbia, turning left at Henry St., traveling west on Liberty Street and completing its journey at Long Memorial Hall where Santa & Mrs.Claus will welcome everyone to Winter Wonderland where they will visit with the children of Farmington for the first time this holiday season. Winter Wonderland is located inside Long Hall and features one of the largest G-Scale train displays in the area.

Gladbach said entries are being accepted for the parade and there is no fee for entry. Membership in the chamber is not necessary to participate in the parade.

Entries will be taken up to the day of the parade. Those wishing to be judged are asked to register by Dec. 7.

For more information on the holiday open house or Krekeler Jeweler’s Christmas Parade, contact Gladbach at 756-3615 or by email at brittany@farmingtonregionalchamber.com.

The frosted window pane at Oasis Christian Bookstore is ready for the Christmas Open House in downtown Farmington from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. The annual event gives shoppers a preview to the holiday shopping season and a chance to see all the downtown shops have to offer.