SIDNEY — In continuing with a long tradition of festivities and fellowship, the Community Christmas Dinner Committee would like to invite all of the citizens of Shelby County to this year’s dinner.
The dinner will be Dec. 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Shelby County Fairgrounds Civil Defense Building located on the south side of the fairgrounds. Parking for the event will be on the inside of the fairgrounds. Those who are handicapped or cannot walk long distances should let the volunteers know. Parking is available only inside the fairgrounds.
There is no charge for the dinner. There are no criteria to meet. All are encouraged to attend. Adults who are shut-ins can arrange to have meals delivered to their homes by calling 492-8074, ext. 6, and making reservations with Adult Day Services at Fair Haven. Reservations for home-delivered meals must be made no later than 4 p.m. on Dec. 9. Santa Claus will be standing by to pass out candy and treats and listen to wish lists from the many children who attend the event. Christmas music will be played by the Anna Jazz Band. Last year, more than 2,000 people attended the Community Christmas Dinner at the fairgrounds.
When the dinner began in 1981, Bill McMillen, Stolle Corp. and Judy Wagner, then-executive director of Shelby County United Way, met to discuss a way to reach out to the community during the holiday season. The dinner could not be such a success every year without the support received from the volunteers and donors. People interested in volunteering to help with this event should call Rodney Kerns at 492-1746 to register.
Volunteers are needed to help set up Dec 11, and tear down on Dec. 12 after the event, as well as drivers to deliver meals, and volunteers of all types on the day of the event. Volunteers and drivers are asked to park in the OSU Extension Office parking lot located next to the Civil Defense Building. Parking at the OSU Extension Office will be restricted to volunteers only. All patrons must enter the building from inside the fairgrounds.
