Fun Events at Runnymede Include Craft Sales on Dec. 6; Holiday Store for Kids, Photos with Santa on Dec. 7

                Fun activities planned at the Runnymede at 402 4th Street in downtown Alva as part of the Alva Chamber of Commerce’s “Bring Christmas Home for the Holidays” event will kick off on Friday, Dec. 6, from 5-8 p.m. with craft sales from various people during the annual First Friday Artwalk.

                Members of the Woods County Coalition will provide free hot chocolate at this event, and members of the Little Red Hens will serve free chicken noodle soup, sponsored by the Ministerial Alliance.

                Then on Saturday, Dec. 7, will be the return of the Holiday Store for Kids and Photos with Santa event in this new location and with new sponsors. The NWOSU Art Society held a similar event for nine years before COVID hit.

                Members of the Nescatunga Arts and Humanities Council will be sponsoring the Holiday Store for Kids this year, and the Northwestern Oklahoma State University Campus Cabinet Food Pantry and Holder Drug are sponsoring the Photos with Santa, both from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Runnymede.

                Special needs children only will be allowed to shop and have photos taken from 9-10 a.m. Upon finishing with this group, all other children are welcome until 4 p.m. At 3 p.m., the store will open to any adults who might like to pick up a few items.

Photo viewing stations to see the images taken with Santa will be available onsite, and all images selected will be saved at that time on jump drives donated by Alva State Bank. One digital photo with Santa from this event will be provided for free thanks to Holder Drug. All other photos selected will be $5 each. A coupon to print one free 4x6 at Holder Drug from among the images on the jump drive will be given following the selection of photos.

The Holiday Store provides children with an inexpensive and fun way to shop for loved ones, friends, teachers and even pets. Prices on a variety of merchandise usually range from 50 cents to less than $20.

Parents and family members are welcome to accompany their children through the store, but they also may 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 in getting the gifts wrapped and ready to take home.

Please note that only a few children will be allowed in the store at one time to make it a positive experience for everyone, so please be patient.

Also, some children may be reluctant to pose for a photo with Santa, so be prepared to be in the photo with the child.

Questions may be directed to NescatungaArts@yahoo.com or

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