Parker Christmas celebrants enjoy food, company, gifts

Two-year-old Charlotte tests out bicycles to see which one her parents want to win at the Parker community Christmas celebration on Saturday, Dec. 13. (Photos by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal)

Journal staff report

Parker-area residents packed the Parker Elementary School multipurpose room on Saturday, Dec. 13, to enjoy a chicken and noodles dinner, catching up with neighbors and friends, a visit from Santa and a gift giveaway that ranged from frozen turkeys to bicycles and everything in between.

Sponsors for the event included 18 businesses that ranged from Paola to Garnett to La Cygne, and of course Parker, as well as eight families of individuals. There was also a jar by the beginning of the buffet line where diners were also generous with their donations.

The Parker Area Ladies Society (PALS) ended their 2025 year of service by dishing out yet another dinner to well over 100 people. That group has helped area residents celebrate Easter, July 4, Parker Day and Christmas this year.

Kendra Browning, left, and Sherry Schmitz, dressed as characters from the Land of Misfit Toys, passed out goody bags for children who visited Santa.

PALS members, from right, Carrie Sewell, Carol Buckman and Judy Kinder dish out food.

Parker-area residents and their families packed the multipurpose room at the Parker school.

20-month-old Maizey wasn't too sure about sitting on Saint Nick's lap, but she was OK with a high-five.