Community Christmas, holiday pancake breakfast up next in the MAIN EVENT

This week’s MAIN EVENT happens in Doniphan on Dec. 22, when the community will come together to host a traditional Christmas meal for all residents.

The Prospect-News reported this week donations started pouring in as soon as the idea was announced in the fall and now organizers Serra McCabe and Chasity Mathis are ready to help serve up a meal for the community, prepared by the community.

From its inception, serving of a free Christmas meal has been planned and will be undertaken as a community project, said McCabe.

The meal is being made possible by the combined donations and resources of churches, other groups and individuals within the community.

Some of those same supporters and many others will meet Dec. 21 in the parish hall of St. Benedict Catholic Church. They will spend the afternoon cooking in preparation for meals to be delivered, picked up, or enjoyed Dec. 22 in the Parish Hall dining room.

McCabe said those who choose to dine in will be greeted and seated in a festive, traditionally Christmas atmosphere where they can feast together and fellowship as families do. The meal will be served from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Live Christmas music will be provided by Leonard Gladden and Zachary Gray. Delivery of meals is reserved to the elderly and shut-in citizens within the city limits of Doniphan.

McCabe says, “We look forward to serving our community. Everyone is invited, and we don’t want anyone to be alone.”

Other upcoming events include:

Don’t see your event? Let us know what you’ve got coming up and we’ll add it. Just email dailyamericanrepublic@darnews.com.

— Christmas Country Church Tour, 2 p.m. Dec. 15-9 p.m. Dec. 16 WHERE 33 locations across Perry County, Cape Girardeau County, Ste. Genevieve County and Bollinger County. COST Free, donations welcome. WHAT Each church is draped in holiday decorations reflecting their traditions and culture from Roman Catholic English, Scotch-Irish Presbyterian, German Lutherans and others. For more information, visit the tour’s Facebook page.

— Big Spring Christmas Bird Count, 8 a.m. Dec. 17. WHERE Big Spring, Ozark National Scenic Riverways. COST Free. WHAT The second of three annual Christmas Bird Counts in Southeast Missouri. Volunteers should arrive at the National Parks Service headquarters in Van Buren. Area assignments will be handed out before volunteers depart to observe and count birds by foot or from their vehicles. To sign up or get more information, contact Bruce Beck at beckbugs42@gmail.com or 573-776-5305. Sign up is due the day before the event. Maps and other materials will be provided.

— Annual Holiday Pancake Breakfast, 9 a.m.-noon Dec. 17. WHERE Northside Community Center. COST A $5 donation. WHAT A breakfast of pancakes, sausage, eggs and beverages. Kids are invited to write a letter to Santa.

— Open studio, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 17 WHERE Canvas & Grain Studio, 1097 Hwy. 142, Poplar Bluff COST $10 and up WHAT Paint anything you want. A wide variety of canvas art and wood door hangers to choose from. Staff will guide visitors every step of the way.

— Visit from Santa, 1-4 p.m. Dec. 17 WHERE at the Mo-Ark Regional Railroad Museum WHAT Photos can be taken with Santa and the museum will be open for visitors.

— Afroman, 7 p.m. Dec. 17 WHERE Black River Coliseum COST $20 WHAT Sponsored by Forum Fifty Fifty, this event will include Afroman hits.

— “A Christmas Carol,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 17 WHERE First United Methodist Church WHAT Presented by The Stage Company.

— Jingle Jam, 9 a.m.-noon Dec. 18 WHERE 2518 Barron Road WHAT Bluff First and Brooke Woodard host a family Christmas party with a photo booth, treats, music and messages from pastors.

— Christmas Tree Forest, 1-4 p.m. Dec. 18 WHERE Poplar Bluff History Museum WHAT Area school children create handmade decorations for Christmas trees on display in December at the museum.

— Awaken Women’s Circle, 2-4 p.m. Dec. 18 WHERE Awaken Women’s Self-Care Collective, 111 W. Main St., Piggott, Arkansas WHAT Support group for women focused on mental health and personal development. December topic is reflection and goal setting.

— Open Mic Night, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 19 WHERE Poplar Bluff Municipal Library, main branch WHAT Come share your music, comedy, poetry and more.

— Meet and greet Santa, 2-5 p.m. Dec. 20 WHERE Harry Blackwell Preowned, 2929 N. Westwood Blvd. WHAT Hot chocolate, cookies and pictures with Santa.

— Christmas Musical Bingo, 7 p.m. Dec. 21 WHERE Haffy’s COST $10 to play WHAT Prizes will be awarded for the Christmas edition of musical bingo.

— Poplar Bluff Christmas Bird Count, 7 a.m. Dec. 23. WHERE Poplar Bluff. COST Free. WHAT The final Christmas Bird Count of 2022 in Southeast Missouri. Volunteers will meet at Hardee’s, 101 S. Westwood Blvd., for area assignments before leaving to observe and count birds by foot or from their vehicles. Residents within 15 miles of Poplar Bluff can also count birds at their feeders. To sign up or get more information, contact Bruce Beck at beckbugs42@gmail.com or 573-776-5305. Sign up is due the day before the event. Maps and other materials will be provided.

— Candlelight Christmas Eve, 9 a.m.-noon Dec. 24 WHERE Bluff First, 2518 Barron Road WHAT Includes singing Christmas songs, a message about making room for Jesus and fellowship.

• Christmas Eve service, 5 p.m. Dec. 24. WHERE First Baptist Church, 551 N. Westwood Blvd. WHAT Family candlelight worship service.

— Book tasting for grades 7-12, 4:40-5:30 p.m. Dec. 28. WHERE Poplar Bluff Municipal Library Main Branch. COST Free. WHAT Library staff will share what’s new in young adult books.

— Artist’s Guild Show closing reception, 6-8 p.m. Dec. 29. WHERE Margaret Harwell Art Museum. COST Free. WHAT The 69th Annual Poplar Bluff Artists Guild Regional Juried Art exhibit wraps up with a community gathers. The People’s Choice Award will be presented to the artist with the most votes and a $50 prize awarded.

— New Year’s Eve Celebration, 8 p.m. to midnight Dec. 31 WHERE Bushwood’s WHAT Carnahan & Co. will play the best hits from the 1990s.