The Runnymede in downtown Alva is going to be participating in the Alva Chamber of Commerce “Bring Christmas Home for the Holidays” event.
The event will begin on Friday, Dec. 5, from 5-8 p.m. with craft sales from various people during the annual First Friday Artwalk.
Members of the Woods County Coalition will be providing free hot chocolate at the event, and members of the Little Red Hens will be serving free chicken noodle soup.
On Saturday the Holiday Store for Kids and Photos with Santa will be held at Runnymede.
Members of the Nescatunga Arts and Humanities Council will be sponsoring the Holiday Store for Kids this year.
The NWOSU Campus Cabinet Food Pantry and Holder Drug are sponsoring the Photos with Santa, both the Holiday Store for Kids and Photos with Santa will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Runnymede.
From 9-10 a.m. special needs children only will be allowed to shop and have photos taken with Santa.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. all children are welcomed to shop and have photos taken.
At 3 p.m. the store will be open to any adults who might like to purchase a few items.
Photo viewing stations to see the images taken with Santa will be available onsite.
All images selected will be saved at that time on jump drive donated by Alva State Bank.
One digital photo with Santa from this event will be provided for free, all other photos selected will be $5 each.
After selecting photos, each family may pay at a centrally located pay-station, where they will also receive a coupon to print one free 4×6 photo at Holder Drug.
The Holiday Store gives children an inexpensive and fun way to shop for friends, loved ones, teachers and even pets.
Prices on a variety of merchandise is usually less than $20.
Family members and parents are welcomed to accompany their children through the store, but they may also watch them from afar if their children want to keep their presents a surprise.
Adult volunteers will help each child shop and stay within their budget.
The children will then receive help wrapping the gifts and getting them ready to take home.
Cash and checks will be the only accepted payments.
Only a few children will be allowed in the store at one time to make it a positive experience for everyone.
Tables with holiday pages to color will be provided for those waiting for their turn in the store or for photos.
Some children may be relunctant to pose with Santa so parents should come prepared to pose with thier children if that problem should arrise.