Holidays to come alive Dec. 4 - 8 in Spencer

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With Thanksgiving next week and Christmas just around the corner, it's time to save a few dates on the calendar as a myriad of holiday shopping opportunities and festive entertainment possibilities are scheduled locally Dec. 4 - 8.

Begin the holiday season by attending an Evening Gala Premier at Parker Museum, 300 E. Third St., from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4, where you're invited for a first look at 11 holiday-decorated rooms. An eclectic mix of decorations from Lee Youde, Katrine Cadman, Sharon Cameron, Pixie Jensen, Joan Wimmer, Sioux Central second grade students in teacher Margo Siever's room, Sue Wedel, Kathi Brodersen, Cindy Pingel, Sharon Simington, Kelli Farrar, Colette and Erin Rossiter will be displayed throughout. There will be no admission fee for the evening's tour and refreshments, which will be served at the House Next Door, for Parker Historical Society members.

The museum's annual holiday open house, themed "An Olde-Fashioned Christmas," will continue through Dec. 7, between 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and from 1 - 4 p.m. Sunday.

The well-known Christmas Eve drama featuring George Bailey and his guardian angel, who shows Bailey what life would've been like if he hadn't existed, will also take center stage at Spencer Community Theatre the first weekend in December. "It's a Wonderful Life," which is ranked as the 20th "greatest movie of all time" by the American Film Institute, will be performed Dec. 5 - 7 and again Dec. 11 - 13 at SCT, 518 First Ave. E.

Holiday taste buds are sure to be delighted at two specific events, both of which are scheduled on Saturday, Dec. 6.

The 15th annual Clay County Federated Garden Club's bazaar, bake sale and luncheon will be held in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Parish Hall. A bake sale, held from 10 - 11:45 a.m., will precede the noon luncheon. The public is invited to view the festively-decorated luncheon tables during the bake sale.

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The Iowa Great Lakes Lutheran School's (IGLLS) Christmas Tea and Luncheon is another holiday event planned, but it's "for girls only." Scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First English Lutheran Church, this special day for girls at heart -- both young and old -- will feature a silent auction in the morning, a festive luncheon and tea, special holiday music and songs by several IGLLS students, and a program by Barb Johnson reminding attendees about "Keeping Christ in Christmas."

Tickets for the IGLLS Christmas Tea and Luncheon will be available at the door or beforehand at: First English Lutheran Church, Christ the King Lutheran Church, Iowa Great Lakes Lutheran School or from a committee member, including: Andrea Crew, Catie Vos, Trudy Hallgren, Kristin Kaldahl, Rachel Johnson, Ruth Obermeier, Dawn Spiess, Shannon Knaack or Susan Christensen.

Plenty of cultural holiday activities, all of which may assist with gift lists, will also be showcased in Spencer.

At Arts on Grand, a gallery reception featuring the "Flags for Freedom" exhibit and Geri Peterson, the wife of exhibit creator Michael Peterson of Hackensack, Minn., will be hosted from 2 - 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6.

The next day, a book signing featuring area authors will be held from 1 - 3 p.m. at Arts on Grand, 408 Grand Ave. Eight authors will be present, including: Amy Maurer with "A Purple Hippopotamus Pillow and Pink Penguin Sheets," Alan Oppedal with "The Inevitable Triumph," Katie Thompson with "Deadstock," Jim Oleson with "In Their Own Words: True Stories and Adventures of the American Fighter Ace," Amelia Painter with her books featuring bed-and-breakfast recipes, Margorie Roelofsen with "Sam," Helen Augustine with "They Opened the Door and Let My Future In," and Jean Tennant with "Olivia's Birthday Puppy" and "Walking Beans Wasn't Something You Did With Your Dog: Stories of Growing Up In and Around the Small Towns of the Midwest." In addition to music by pianist Darlene Embry, refreshments will be served.

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Bogenrief Studios, located at 21 W. Fifth St., will host holiday gift specials, along with various glass demonstrations that same weekend. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, the live demonstrations will highlight ornaments being made.

Additional local artisan businesses that will be open Dec. 6 and 7 include Clay County Clay, at 717 11th Ave. E., the Curiel/Reynolds School of Visual Arts, at 216 Sixth Ave. E., and the Wild Wood gallery and turning lab, located at 121 Grand Ave.

The holiday fun will continue with the Festival of Choirs' "A Festival of Lessons and Carols," set to begin at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. This ecumenical Christmas program will tell the Christmas story through scripture and song. Church choirs throughout Spencer have been invited to participate in the program. A free-will offering will be taken and nursery care will be provided.

While local retailers are encouraged to stay open on Sundays through Christmas beginning Dec. 7, families are invited to stroll among Grand Avenue businesses during the annual Grand Meander celebration, set for Monday evening, Dec. 8. In addition to live window displays, free hot chocolate and popcorn will be served. TUBAChristmas concerts will be performed at Bogenrief Studios at 6:15 p.m., and again at 7 and 7:30 p.m. at the intersection of Fifth Street and Grand Avenue. Santa Claus is also expected to make a visit.

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Especially for kids

-Santa's Workshop will be in full swing once again this year from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 in Southpark Mall. His workshop, which is sponsored by Spencer Women of Today, is designed to help children shop for special gifts with special help. While 3- to 12-year-old children are encouraged to bring holiday lists along with them, no child wanting to take part will be turned away. Over 1,500 homemade or "almost-homemade" items, ranging in price from 50 cents to $6, will be available for purchase.

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-A Little Leonardo's class will be held 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 at Arts on Grand. Preschool through second-grade participants will learn how to make Christmas trees in the craft class taught by Kim Jessen. AOG members and non-members alike are welcome to attend. A fee will be charged to both. To sign up for Little Leonardo's, call 262-4307 in advance or just stop by that morning.