Welcome Christmas 2016

Kevin Surbaugh

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Saturday December 3, 2016 was the annual tree lighting ceremony. While most communities just make an evening of it, in Baldwin City, it is an all day event and has been for years. 

Brent Bush of Chris Cakes flips pancakes.
Photographer Kevin Surbaugh

Starting with Breakfast with Santa (9 am) at the Intermediate Center (100 Bullpup Drive). The cost for this opportunity was $6, which supported the Baldwin City Recreation Commission. Breakfast consisted of all you can eat pancakes (from Chris Cakes™), sausage links and Tang™. Pancakes were flipped by Brent Bush, who said he served 95 plates of pancakes.

Beginning at the same time (until 7pm) the Lumberyard Arts Center
(718 High Street) hosted their annual Festival of Wreaths and Trees. Where participants decorate and donate one for display and silent auction, which was held later that day, as a fundraiser for the art center.

Kim Gardner displays her Christmas shirt,
while getting her pancakes..
Photographer Kevin Surbaugh

Throughout the day, there was also the Santa Claus Express, which had multiple excursions throughout the day, from Midland Railway. The annual Holiday Homes Tour began at noon, tickets were $15 which supports the Baldwin City Community Emergency Fund. Which helps those in the Baldwin school district (USD 348) with assistance in times of crisis. That can include assistance with utility bills, rent, gasoline, food and medical expenses or aid after catastrophic events.
The days events began to culminate at 5 pm with Victorian Singers singing in the Lumberyard Arts Center and the annual Festival of Lights parade near 8th and High, starting at 6 P.M. The parade ran through historic downtown Baldwin City and featured Santa Claus making his grand entrance on an antique fire truck. A fireworks display ended the evening.

Parade of Christmas Lights.
Photographer Kevin Surbaugh