Mound City historical group hosts Christmas in the Park this Saturday

Mound City Historical Society officers Meribeth Kehl, left, and Ron Nicholson lead carolers at the old schoolhouse during last year's Christmas event. (Journal file photo)

MOUND CITY – It’s been a few years since “The Village in the Valley,” the Christmas celebration at the Mound City Historical Park, was at its prime. During its heyday, the “Village,” held at the park’s Seventh and Main streets location, had at least one evening of tours and caroling in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

But as membership in the Mound City Historical Society declined and volunteers lost interest or could no longer devote their energy to the project, the event faded as well.

Last year, a reinvigorated historical society brought back at least some of the historic Christmas spirit by pairing an event at the old one-room schoolhouse at the park with the larger celebration sponsored by the city of Mound City at the amphitheater.

This year, the society is back in full force with its “Christmas in the Park” event beginning at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2.

Activities in the park include cookies and hot chocolate served at the Worzell House from 4 to 7 p.m., and a live nativity and the newly renovated barn from 4 to 6 p.m.

At 4:30 p.m., there will be a drawing of gifts for kids ages 2 to 18; registration for the drawn begins at 4 p.m.

At 5 p.m. the barn will host a “Birthday for Jesus,” and a handbell choir and caroling will take place between 5 and 6 p.m. The live nativity, gifts and birthday is sponsored by the Mound City United Methodist Church.

At 6 p.m., Santa arrives at the schoolhouse.