Staff Report

WARSAW — Warsaw First Friday’s theme for November is the Carnival of Giving.

The event is 5-8 p.m. Nov. 5. There will be inflatables and games downtown run by local churches.

The cost to play a game will require a donation of either a food, toiletry or clothing item. Those items will then go to St Anne’s Episcopal Church of Warsaw, Combined Community Services, The Salvation Army, Fellowship Missions, First United Methodist Church of Warsaw and other community resources.

Items needed include deodorant, shampoo, soap, washcloths, towels, canned vegetables, canned meat, macaroni and cheese, noodles, dry food, dish detergent, laundry soap, floor cleaner, Windex, toilet paper, wet wipes, socks, hats, gloves and scarves.

Other highlights include a performance by the Edgewood and Lakeview middle school bands, starting at 6:30 p.m.

They also may view a model of a county fair at KeyBank’s lobby, 119 E. Center St. Freewill donations are also encouraged there for The Salvation Army.

Cash donations will also be accepted for St. Anne’s to help fund their 300 holiday gift baskets.

First Friday organizer Paula Bowman said she hopes the event helps get people in the holiday giving mood.

“The fact that they can share the love and start the season of giving by helping those in need,” she said of what she hopes people get out of the event.

Countdown to Christmas

Bowman added that the Countdown to Christmas event with the Ornament Smash and tree lighting is 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 28.

Through the Ornament Smash in partnership with WRSW, people can exchange tickets for prizes. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be present to greet people.

Bowman said there will be a 15- to 18-foot Christmas tree that will be lit by Mayor Joe Thallemer and Santa at 7 p.m.

She hopes to have other trees around the Kosciusko County Courthouse lit at the same time.