Now that Thanksgiving has flown by, everyone can focus on planning for Christmas. There are so many fun seasonal events planned for Benton County this month, everyone is sure to find an event (or several!) that will make their holiday season something really special.
The Benton County Literacy Chapter will host Cookies and Milk with Santa at Camden Elementary School on Thursday, Dec. 1, from 5:30-7 p.m. Kids can decorate a cookie, make a craft, listen to stories, have their photo made with Santa (using your own camera), and select a free book! Tickets for kids are $4 or $5 at the door. For more info, call CES at 731-584-4918.
This Saturday, Dec. 3, the Eva Community will host its annual Eva Christmas Parade, led by Grand Marshal Dwight Hardy. The parade begins at 2 p.m., with vehicle lineup beginning at 1 p.m. Visit “The Eva Community” on Facebook for more info.
United Way’s annual Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Camden Court Square. The event will begin at 9:30 a.m. Registration for the event is $30, with forms available at Apex Bank or online at www.unitedwaybenton.org.
Saturday, Dec. 10, will bring the Camden Christmas Parade and Christmas on the Square events. The parade starts at 2 p.m., with United Way Director Jo Jones as the grand marshal. Christmas on the Square will follow immediately afterwards from 4-6 p.m. Pick up a parade entry form at the Benton County/Camden Chamber of Commerce office on Hwy. 641 in Camden. Call the Chamber at 731-584-8395 for more info.
Enjoy the evening with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Big Sandy City Hall and gazebo on Saturday evening, Dec. 10, starting at 4 p.m. The Snack Shack food trailer will be there, and a Christmas movie will be shown at 5:30 p.m. for all to enjoy. For more info, call Big Sandy City Hall at 731-593-3213.
On Sunday, Dec. 11, the Camden Elks Lodge will host its annual Elks Children’s Christmas Party. Through Saturday, Dec. 3, the Elks will accept applications for children to participate in the event. Pick up an application any weekday after 2 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, located at 139 Stigall St. in Camden.
Donations Needed!
Down Home Restaurant is accepting applications for children needing gifts from the Down Home Angel Tree event. If you would like to pick an angel from the tree or donate to the cause, visit the restaurant or call 731-584-1989 for more info.
The Benton County Sherriff’s Office (BCSO) is accepting donations of toys and coats for the BCSO Toy and Coat Giveaway, to be held on Thursday, Dec. 15, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the New Beginnings Church gym at 138 College Ave. in Camden.
To help BCSO, a “Fill the Patrol Car” event will be held on Friday, Dec. 2, at Cash Express. On Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., donations of toys, coats, and funds will be accepted by BCSO personnel at Walmart. Donations will be accepted at the BCSO office until Dec. 14. Call 731-584-4632 during business hours at for more info.,
The Camden Police Department (CPD) is accepting applications for the CPD Shop with a Cop event. Applications are available until Dec. 14, and monetary donations will be collected through Dec. 15. Call Connie Wright at 731-584-4622 or 731-220-2478 for more info. Caregivers of children chosen to participate will be notified after Dec. 14.
Throughout December, The Camden Chronicle will update this list weekly to keep everyone current on the holiday happenings in Benton County. If any group or organization has an event they would like to publicize, please send an email with relevant information to [email protected] or text the information to 731-441-0679.
