Third annual Kickoff to Christmas event to be held Dec. 3 in Payson’s South Park

PAYSON, Ill. — The Village of Payson will hold its annual Christmas tree lighting event, Payson Kickoff to Christmas, at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3 in Payson’s South Park. Lighting of the park will occur at approximately 6 p.m.

This free event, which has grown in size each year, offers entertainment and fun for the entire family.

Activities and entertainment this year are visits with Santa in his sleigh, free professional photos, free hot cocoa and cookies, arts and crafts, stations for writing letters to Santa that can be put into his mailbox in the park, a Christmas story reading and games. Each child in attendance will go home with a gift.

In a press release, town trustee Kyle Beckman said, “We are really excited by the growth and engagement in our community and in this event. We’ve made numerous improvements to the square in Payson like new park lamps, sidewalks and more. This gives families an opportunity to see the investments we’re making, while enjoying a new holiday tradition.”

Event activities are as follows:

• 5 p.m. Santa arrives
• Visits with Santa — gifts provided by Twaddle Plumbing, treat bags provided by Payson Fire and Rescue, photos by Rossiter Photography
• Free hot cocoa and cookies provided by Payson OSA
• Christmas game with prizes sponsored by Dude Dust Dry Rub and Payson FFA
• Christmas story reading by Elaine Baker
• Christmas crafts sponsored by Bingaman Automotive
• Lighting of the park at approximately 6 p.m.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a donation item for local food banks and organizations, as well as an ornament to hang on the tree prior to the lighting.

The Village of Payson is announcing the return of the town-wide Christmas decorating contest, where the best-decorated homes are awarded a cash prize. The new format allows for two winners. “The Griswold Award” for the top voted home will receive a $50 prize. “The McAllister Award” for honorable mention will receive $25. The town board will vote on the decorated houses in December.

The Kickoff to Christmas event is sponsored by Bingaman Automotive, Dude Dust Dry Rub, Rossiter Photography, First Bankers Trust Company, State Street Bank and Twaddle Plumbing. Sponsorships are available until Nov. 24. All proceeds go towards lights, displays and entertainment. Information about sponsorships can be found at the Village of Payson Facebook page.

The event is supported by the Payson Old Settlers Association, the Payson-Fall Creek Volunteer Fire Department, Payson Seymour elementary and high school programs, Payson area churches and numerous other volunteers.