Light ‘Em Up!

Martin City and surrounding communities hold holiday lighting celebrations

By Kathy Feist

Santa is certainly busy with Holiday Lighting events this year.

One of the first on his list is Martin City’s Annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, November 16, from 6:30 – 8 p.m. Santa will appear at 6:30 at Bailey Bros. Building and Loan Building, 510 E. 135 St.,  to listen to children’s Christmas wishes and take photos. The lights will flip on at 7 p.m. A dj will play music throughout the night and give away prizes to those entered in a raffle. To enter in the raffle bring hygiene and personal care products to be donated to Giving Basics, which will give the  items to Kansas City families in need. Raffle prizes will be provided by Martin City businesses and will be given away every 15 minutes starting at 7 p.m.

Prior to the lighting ceremony, KC Running Company will host it Ugly Sweater Group Run. The gathering starts at 6 p.m. and the run will start immediately after the lighting.

Three businesses will host an open house. The Martin City Telegraph, 13356 Holmes Rd.,  will have a ribbon cutting and open house at 3 p.m.  Rosehill Gardens, 311 E. 135 St., will serve refreshments and specials from 5 to 7 p.m. Gilded Lily, 612 E 135 St., will have its open house from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and feature French hot chocolate, door prizes and product specials. Its holiday open house continues through Saturday.

Other Holiday Lighting Ceremonies

Ward Parkway Holiday Lighting Ceremony, November 17, at the Restaurant Pavilion, 89th & State Line.  Live music at 6 p.m. Santa at 7:30 p.m. Includes prize giveaways.

Leawood Holiday Lighting Ceremony, November 20, 6-7:30. Leawood City Hall, 4800 Town Center Dr., Carolers, children’s choirs, stage performers, and refreshments.

Belton Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting, November 27, 5:30 – 7:30. Belton Memorial Park, 14600 N. Mullen Rd. Free hot dogs, hot chocolate, prizes, donations. Santa appears at 6 p.m.

Grandview Mayor Christmas Tree Lighting, December 7, 6 p.m. The View, 13500 Byars Rd.