The first floor of the Kosciusko County Courthouse is decorated in the theme of the Christmas movie “The Polar Express,” complete with a large train, pictures of characters from the film and fake snow. InkFreeNews photo by Leah Sander.

Staff Report

WARSAW — There are only 18 days left until Christmas, but plenty of local, holiday-themed events are still set to occur.

Below is an updated list of upcoming activities for the area:

Akron

• The Akron Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the town of Akron, local churches and Akron Elementary School, is having a Christmas tree lighting in Akron’s Town Square on Saturday, Dec. 10. The event starts at 5 p.m., with caroling, hot chocolate and a visit from the Grinch. The lighting will occur at 6 p.m.
• The chamber has another Christmas event from 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, at the Akron Community Center. There will be refreshments, kids’ games and a reindeer petting zoo. Santa will be present for visits.

Atwood

• Santa Claus will be making a pre-Christmas stop at the Atwood Fire Department from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 10.

Claypool

• Santa will come to Claypool and the Echoes of the Past from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at the corner of County Farm Road and CR 700S. It’s a free event. Cookies and cocoa will be served. Kids can enjoy the activity table and take a horse-drawn sleigh ride.

Etna Green

• Santa Claus will be at Heritage Park from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17. He’s to arrive by firetruck.

Leesburg

• Leesburg’s annual Candelaria and Christmas party  is 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. Santa will be coming to town at 6 p.m. There will be cookies and refreshments at the old firehouse in downtown Leesburg. People may also enjoy looking at the numerous paper lanterns set up.

North Webster

• The Festival of Trees put on by the Kiwanis Club is ongoing at the North Webster Community Center. Each tree is decorated by a different organization. People may vote for a tree through Saturday, Jan. 7, by putting money in a candy cane, with funds going toward Riley Hospital for Children.
• Letters to Santa may be dropped off at the North Webster Community Center, with the Jolly Old Elf sending replies.

Silver Lake

• Santa is coming to Silver Lake at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21. He will be at the old fire station downtown at 104 N. Jefferson St. Goodie bags will be given to all the children. Cookies and hot chocolate will also be served.

Syracuse

• New Hope Pet Rescue, 72555 CR 29, has its “Paws-itively” Wonderful Christmas Carnival from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11. Santa will be present for visits, and there will also be kids’ crafts, refreshments, games and more.

Warsaw

• Susie McEntire returns to Lakeview Middle School, 848 E. Smith St., with her Christmas concert. It starts at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17. Doors open at 6 p.m. McEntire will again be joined by Linda Davis and Davis’ husband Lang Scott. New to the performance this year will be Jenifer Wrinkle, who’s performed with Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride and Reba McEntire. The concert is free, but attendees are asked to bring new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots.