Christmas in the Village planned Saturday in Cobden

A popular holiday tradition will continue this weekend in a Union County community.

The third annual Christmas in the Village holiday celebration is planned Saturday, Dec. 3, in Cobden.

The celebration is being promoted by the Cobden Community and Business Association and the Village of Cobden.

Business open houses and Christmas bazaars will be among the highlights of the day's activities.

Activities are planned from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The day is scheduled to close with the lighting of a Christmas tree in the downtown park.

An old-fashioned store setting will welcome visitors to The Old Feed Store on Appleknocker Street.

A hospitality table featuring Christmas goodies and cider will be available from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

A Christmas wreath contest is planned at Cobden Elementary School.

A Christmas in the Village 5K run/walk is set for 10 a.m. and will start at The Old Feed Store. Registration will be from 8 a.m. to 9:50 a.m.

Santa Claus is scheduled to visit from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Treats will be given to children.

Christmas decorations, gifts, crafts and homemade treats are planned at two bazaars: one at the Union County Museum's General Store on Appleknocker Street and one at the parish hall at St. Joseph's Catholic Church at 304 W. Ash St.  Both bazaars open at 8 a.m. The church will serve soup and chili for lunch.

Wreath-making demonstrations are planned at the church at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. 

The Apostolic Lighthouse Church on South Front Street has scheduled an open house and bazaar from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Open houses are planned at the Illinois Migrant Council's tech center, Cherry's Massage, anthill gallery, Village Art and Gifts and Southpass Beads.

Carolers will be singing during the day throughout the village. Horse-drawn surrey rides will be offered for a charge starting at noon at the Old Feed Store.

The First Baptist Church of Cobden will present a live nativity scene from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the corner of West Maple and Appleknocker streets.

The First Presbyterian Church on Jefferson Street will offer donuts and cider in the morning on the porch of the education building.

A toy drive will be conducted by US Bank.

The Cobden School band is scheduled to perform from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the shelter in the downtown park.

At 5 p.m., Santa Claus will lead a walk from the Old Feed Store to the lighting of the Christmas tree.