Blast from the Past

RANDOLPH — This year’s annual Christmas celebration will have the traditional look and feel people have known in the past after a smaller, socially-distanced event took place last year.

“It was definitely not the same last year,” said Julie Kint, who organizes the annual Blast from the Past event each year with dad, Tim.

This year’s event is set for 5-7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 10, at the city auditorium, and is sponsored by Reaching Out Around Randolph (ROAR).

A socially-distanced Santa will be a thing of the past this year as Santa plans to arrive at the auditorium by fire truck and listen to children’s wish lists up close and personal.

“The kids are definitely excited when Santa comes - all the kids run to the door for his arrival,” Kint said. She’s planning for about 200 children to make their requests to Santa that night.

Each child receives a goodie bag with some containing a golden coin that nets an extra prize if found and turned in, Kint said.

Last year’s event featured a socially distant meal with soup to go. This year, the Pancake Man of South Sioux City will be on hand to serve up fluffy flapjacks and sausage with tables and chairs set up for communal dining.

A free will offering for the pancakes will be taken with the money raised being donated to the Randolph Aquatic Center.

The tradition of trolley rides around town to view Christmas lights will make a comeback this year as well.

Local stores will be open late to accommodate holiday shopping. As part of the Christmas celebration, ROAR hides an Elf on the Shelf at a local business. The individual who finds the elf can turn it in for a prize.

A summer staple - The Frozen Cow - will also be open that night with proceeds being donated back to ROAR.

Vendors will be set up around the perimeter of the auditorium with several new vendors featured this year, Kint said.

The Randolph Times will be on hand with subscription specials that night; gift wrapping will be provided by Studio 103; and Randolph High’s FCCLA club will be selling hot chocolate, too, just to name a few.

All in all, Kint said she hopes to have a good turnout.

“It’s just about finally getting together and getting everybody excited for Christmas,” she said.