-Messenger photo by Deanna Meyer
Abbey Conrad, a naturalist with Calhoun County Conservation, fields questions about her rabbit, Thumper, from Cambria Gittins, 9, of Rockwell City, far right. Conrad brought her 4-year-old rabbit to share with children Sunday during Manson's Hometown Christmas. In the center is Averly Gittins, 6, also of Rockwell City.

-Messenger photo by Deanna Meyer
Amanda Trice, of Manson, helps her daughter Ellyanna Trice, 2, sprinkle sugar on her Christmas sugar cookie Sunday during the Manson Hometown Christmas at the Manson Area Community Center. Decorating her own cookie at left is her daughter Emma Trice, 9, of Manson.

-Messenger photo by Deanna Meyer
Jayden Hoeppner, 7, center, of Manson, sits patiently while Thelma McGough paints a set of Christmas lights on her face while Jayden’s mother, Kayla Hoeppner, holds her hair safely out of the way. McGough, the Manson Economic Development coordinator, was volunteering her artistic skills for the face painting table Sunday during Manson’s Hometown Christmas.

-Messenger photo by Deanna Meyer
Jayden Hoeppner, 7, seems pretty happy with the set of Christmas lights that now adorns her face, thanks to the artistic skills of Thelma McGough, Manson Economic Development coordinator, Sunday at the Manson Hometown Christmas event.

-Messenger photo by Deanna Meyer
Mike Biedenfeld, of Manson, works to twist balloons into a base for a larger heart-shaped balloon. His wife, Beth Biedenfeld, would then attach a small coloring book to give to children who visited the table Sunday during the Manson Hometown Christmas event. The balloon table, on behalf of Our Savior United Methodist Church in Manson, was popular with the children who attended the event at the Manson Area Community Center.