Fun Events at Runnymede Include Craft Sales on Dec. 5;Holiday Store for Kids, Photos with Santa on Dec. 6

ALVA, Okla. -- Fun activities planned at the Runnymede at 402 4^th Street in downtown Alva as part of the Alva Chamber of Commerce’s “Bring Christmas Home for the

Holidays” event will kick off on Friday, Dec. 5, from 5-8 p.m. with craft sales from various local people during the annual First Friday Artwalk.

Members of the Woods County Coalition will provide free hot chocolate at this event, and members of the Little Red Hens will serve free chicken noodle soup, sponsored by K&S Tire.

On Saturday, Dec. 6, is the Holiday Store for Kids and Photos with Santa event at the Runnymede.

Members of the Nescatunga Arts and Humanities Council will be sponsoring the Holiday Store for Kids again this year, and the Northwestern Oklahoma State University Campus Cabinet Food Pantry and Holder Drug are sponsoring the Photos with Santa, both from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Runnymede.

From 9-10 a.m., special needs children only will be allowed to shop and have photos taken with Santa. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., all children are welcome to shop and have photos taken. At 3 p.m., the store will also be open to any adults who might like to purchase a few items.

Photo viewing stations to see the images taken with Santa will be available onsite, and all images selected will be saved at that time on jump drives donated by Alva State Bank. One digital photo with Santa from this event will be provided for free, thanks to Holder Drug. All other photos selected will be $5 each. After selecting photos, each family may pay at a centrally located pay-station, where they will also receive a coupon to print one free 4x6 photo at Holder Drug from the jump drive provided.

The Holiday Store gives children an inexpensive and fun way to shop for loved ones, friends, teachers and even pets. Prices on a variety of merchandise is usually less than $20.

Parents and family members are welcome to accompany their children through the store, but they may also watch them from afar if their children want to keep their presents a surprise. Adult volunteers will help each child shop and stay within their budget. The children will then receive help wrapping the gifts and getting them ready to take home.

Cash and checks only will be accepted for all payments.

Please note that only a few children will be allowed in the store at one time to make it a positive experience for everyone, so please be patient. Tables with holiday pages to color will be provided for those waiting for their turn in the store or for photos.

Also, some children may be reluctant to pose for a photo with Santa, so be prepared to be in the photo with the child. Adults are also welcome to have photos taken with Santa.

Anyone with questions or who would like to volunteer their time to help in the store for kids or with the Santa photos should contact the organizations at NescatungaArts@yahoo.com.

Anyone who would like to volunteer to help in any aspect of the “Bring Christmas Home for the Holidays” should contact the Alva Chamber of Commerce at communications@alvaok.net. A schedule of all Christmas events is available on the Chamber’s website under their events tab at https://www.alvaok.net.

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