Coleridge kicks off the Holiday season in style
COLERIDGE — The Coleridge Community Building was packed Saturday as family and friends came to kick off the Holiday season as a community.
The Coleridge Community Club spent a great deal of time planning and organizing the well-attended evening.
“The Community Club tries to give back to the community of Coleridge by putting on this event, we want to thank the people for all the support they give to the Community Club throughout the year,” said Jacie Burbach.
It is estimated that over 175 meals were served throughout the fun-filled, family-oriented event. There were also many more who enjoyed the festive evening without partaking in the hot beef sandwich or the hot dog supper with cookies and ice cream for dessert.
Mark Rose, owner of Rodeo’s and a member of the Coleridge Community Club, prepared the scrumptious hot beef, potatoes, and gravy.
Children young and old were greeted by Santa Claus, along with Mrs. Claus.
Children whispered their wish list and were given a pre-holiday goodie bag to enjoy.
“I’ve been coming to the village of Coleridge for over 25 years. It’s the best place to be, the people are awesome,” said Santa, who was assisted by Coleridge resident Ron Wege.
During bingo, Santa mingled with community residents, chatting with them and helping to make sure they were marking off their numbers correctly.
“Christmas is a time for kids, as well as to help take care of the kids of Coleridge and to continue to build relationships,” said Jacie Burbach, member of the Coleridge Community Club.
The businesses of Coleridge all came together to give thanks to the community for their business and support throughout the years.
Local businesses donated more than 60 sleds and games to be awarded as door prizes to the young.
Door prizes were awarded throughout the evening. Those who were lucky enough to have their names drawn, selected a number out of a decorative Christmas box and were given the wrapped prize with the coordinating number.
“My favorite part of the evening was playing bingo, because I won when we did the ‘X’ bingo,” said Aubri Kleinschmidt.
Bingo was a big hit with all who attended, cheers and the occasional jeers were heard as participants eagerly listened for numbers.
Jay Vance spent the evening calling out the numbers, along with Craig Lordemann helping with the bingo wheel.
Lordemann also operated the popular money machine where four lucky participants’ names were drawn. Each participant placed their arm in the wind machine for 20 seconds to grab a fist full of cash.
“I had my arm reaching so far down my circulation was starting to shut off, this was the first time I was chosen,” said a very excited Paige Cook. She was very successful in her 20 seconds catching the flying cash.
The event was another sign that small towns know how to come together to support one another, as well as to have a fun-filled evening making memories, celebrating, enjoying fellowship, and laughs.
“A good family fun filled evening,” said Jacie Burbach about the annual Christmas in Coleridge event. Burbach is a Coleridge Community Club member.
The Christmas in Coleridge is just that, a way to help promote the importance of family time, as well as to help bring the community together to kick off the holiday celebrations.
Saturday, November 24, the evening’s festivities will begin at 5 p.m. lasting until 8 p.m. Just like last year, all events will be held at the Community Building.
Youngsters will be able to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. After whispering in Santa’s ear what they are hoping for this Christmas, Mrs. Claus will have a special treat to share with the children.
The Community Club has supper covered for the evening. Hot beef sandwiches, hot dogs, and chips are on the menu.
Throughout the evening, bingo will be going on, with prizes for those who are able to get five in a row on their bingo cards.
“It’s fun to watch and see what the participants come out with after their chance at the wind machine,” said Burbach. The wildly exciting wind machine will be making an appearance again this year. Throughout the evening names will be drawn for a chance to stick your hand in the machine and grab for cash, maybe you can be one of the lucky people to grab a fist full of cash.
The wind machine was made for post prom, forgotten about until last year when it was dug out from the archives. It was so popular last year, the Community Club members wanted to bring it back.
Many local businesses donated to help make Christmas in Coleridge a success yet again this year. Several sleds and board games were donated to this event. This year lucky winners will have the chance to pick a number and receive the wrapped prize with the coordinating number.
