Saturday, Dec. 7
3 p.m. Movie: Arthur Christmas, Star Cinema
4:45 p.m. Visit with Santa, cocoa and carols
Third Avenue in front of the Star Cinema
and Stayton City Hall
By Mary Owen
Santa will be coming to Stayton soon, thanks to a grass roots effort to keep the community’s holiday celebration alive.
“I’ve been a big supporter of this event every year,” said former mayor Gerry Aboud, who spearheaded this year’s effort with his wife, DeeAnne, and resident Shannon Tureck. They got started after reading in Our Town that the Stayton-Sublimity Chamber of Commerce had stepped down from coordinating the city’s annual Home for the Holidays celebration.
“We felt the event no longer fit with our mission or member needs,” said Elaina Turpin, SSCOC assistant director. “We will be re-focusing on other projects and events that more closely fit our mission to promote a thriving business climate that enhances local economic vitality.”
The Abouds and Tureck stepped in to organize Santa’s meeting with all the kiddies, but the annual downtown tree lighting will not happen this year because of the lack of time to make arrangements.
“We will be doing a little bit of decorating,” Aboud said. “And the city is sponsoring the event.”
The celebration will begin with the children’s 3D movie, Arthur Christmas, at 3 p.m. on Dec. 7 at Star Cinema. Admission is $1 or one can of food, with proceeds to go to the Stayton Community Food Bank.
“The 3D version of this movie is supposed to be great,” Tureck said. “And for some reason the kids just love the 3D so I’m looking forward to that part of the celebration.”
After the movie, cookies and hot chocolate will be served outside the theater around 4:45 p.m., Aboud said.
“Mr. and Mrs. Santa Clause will be there handing out candy canes for the kids,” he added. “Bring your camera!”
As well as refreshments, New Hope Community Church will provide music.
“Festive Christmas music,” Aboud said. “And people can sing along with the carolers.”
US Bank will donate glow sticks for the kids. Diane Lindback will decorate windows in the Jensen-Kreitzer building. Linda Enloe at Curves will decorate and fill goodie bags for the kids with the help of Star Cinema owners Robin and Jeff Mexico and others.
“I just think it’s wonderful that they’ve stepped up to do this,” said Jennifer Cathcart of Stayton. “I have 11 grandchildren, and they look forward to this every year!”
Third Avenue between Ida and High streets will be closed from 3:30 p.m. to the end of the event.
“We’re doing this early enough so people can go to Sublimity for their parade and tree lighting,” Aboud said. “There’s plenty of time to do both.” For more information or to help, call Aboud at 503-769-7505.
