Liberty children will have plenty of opportunities to hang out with Santa Claus in the next few weeks, starting with the Liberty Community Christmas Tree lighting ceremony.

According to Mayor Greg Canuteson, Santa is expected to show up around 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20, on the south side of the Square where the mayor and his helpers will turn on the lights, kicking off the holiday season.

“It’s a great time for the community to come together to celebrate the start of the holiday season,” Canuteson said. “Everybody’s invited to come down to the Square.”

On Saturday, Dec. 5, Historic Downtown Liberty Inc. will host Breakfast with Santa from 9 to 11 a.m. at Heritage Hall, 117 W. Kansas St. Advanced $10 tickets for the breakfast can be purchased at Just Desserts through Friday, Nov. 25. Ginger Sue’s will cater the breakfast.

Joe Dugdale, president of HDLI, said from noon to 4 p.m. that day there would also be The Shops of Little Liberty, where children will be able to purchase modestly priced gifts for family members.

“It’ll be similar to the Small Mall they used to have at Antioch Shopping Center years ago,” Dugdale said. “And elves will be there to help the kids wrap their presents.”

Dugdale said there would also be live music, face painting, cookie decorating and Mrs. Claus will tell stories. The afternoon event is free.

Dugdale said the Christmas Parade would not be held this year because of a lack of interest.

“The parade is not going to happen this year. We did not get enough response,” Dugdale said. “We’re still working on it for next year, but it is not easy to resurrect.”

On Saturday, Dec. 12, the Liberty Parks and Recreation Charitable Fund will host a Winter Carnival at the Liberty Community Center, 1600 S. Withers Road.

Anna Slocum, assistant director, said the fun-filled family event was scheduled from 1 to 6 p.m. She said those who registered for advanced $10 tickets would receive a keepsake ornament, refreshments and five game tickets.

“The ornaments are really cute,” Slocum said.

Day-of-the-event tickets are $5 and include refreshments and five tickets for the reindeer games.

Slocum said Santa would be there to greet children and have his picture taken with them, and Mrs. Claus would read stories. There will also be Christmas characters attending the event.

“All the money raised will go to the charitable fund for scholarships for youth,” Slocum said. “In these tough economic times, parents need assistance.”

Slocum said volunteers were also needed to help with the event. For more information or to volunteer, call Slocum at 439-4366.

TICKETS

- Tickets for Breakfast with Santa are now available for $10 each at Just Desserts, 113 W. Kansas St. For information. call 781-3575.

- Tickets for the Winter Carnival are available for $10 each at the Liberty Community Center, 1600 S. Withers Road. For information, call 439-4366.

Liberty Editor Angie Anaya Borgedalen can be reached at 781-4941 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .