Around the area

GOWRIE — Gowrie’s Hometown Christmas Santa Trot is SATURDAY at the Gowrie City Park. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. with the run starting at 10 a.m. There will be a one mile walk or run and a 5K run. Entry fee is warm pants for elementary students. Donate sweatpants or leggings size 7/8 and smaller or make a monetary donation for pants to be purchased in your honor for Southeast Valley Elementary School students. Dress in your favorite ugly sweater and holiday gear for the run.

GOWRIE — Gowrie’s Hometown Christmas Parade is 6 p.m. SATURDAY from Elm Street to City Park. The parade will be followed by a tree lighting ceremony. There will be chili, hot cocoa, carolers, pictures with Santa and fun activities.

CLARION — Jingle Jam and Photos with Santa is 9 a.m. to noon SATURDAY at the Heartland Museum, 119 Ninth St. S.W., Clarion. There will be photos with Santa, hot cocoa bar and kids’ holiday shopping. There will be items for $5 so kids can choose special gifts for their loved ones.

LAKE VIEW — Lake View’s Hometown Pride Committee is hosting a Holiday Tour of Homes from 1 to 5 p.m. SUNDAY beginning at Cobblestone Inn & Suites, 119 Boulders Drive, Lake View, with light appetizers and refreshments. The self-guided tour will showcase six festive homes. Admission is $30 at the door. Proceeds from the event will help with construction costs for the new Lake View Community Center.

FONDA — Fonda Arts Center, Fonda, is hosting “Cracked Reeds” at 2 p.m. SUNDAY at the center. Admission and refreshments are free.

WEBSTER CITY — Kendall Young Library, Webster City, is holding Cookie Decorating from 10:30 a.m. to noon SATURDAY at the library.

In Fort Dodge

FORT DODGE — Lights at Kennedy is 6 to 9 p.m. TODAY, SATURDAY and SUNDAY at John F. Kennedy Memorial Park Campground, 1417 Nelson Ave. Admission is freewill donation.

FORT DODGE — The Fort Museum Trading Post, 1 Museum Road, is holding a Christmas Market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. TODAY and SATURDAY.

FORT DODGE — The Fort Museum, 1 Museum Road, is holding a Christmas Cornhole Tournament SATURDAY in the Opera House. Doors open at 10 a.m. with the tournament beginning at noon. Cost is $20 per two person team plus two non-perishable food items. There will be food, DJ and silent auction.

FORT DODGE — The Trinity Singers of Trinity United Methodist Church, 838 N. 25th St., are holding its annual Christmas Cantata at 5:30 p.m. SATURDAY and 9:30 a.m. SUNDAY at the church.

FORT DODGE — Meet and Greet Santa and The Grinch is 1 to 3 p.m. SATURDAY at Fort Frenzy, 3232 First Ave. S. Get your picture taken with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch, participate in holiday activities and enjoy a cookie. The event is free.

FORT DODGE — First Interstate Bank, 825 Central Ave., is holding Pictures with Santa from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. SATURDAY. For a freewill donation of new or gently used coats, jackets, gloves and hats, have your child’s picture taken with Santa. All donations will go to the Beacon of Hope Ministries and YWCA and distributed within the community.

FORT DODGE — Prairie Lakes Church, 200 Ave. O, is holding Jingle Jam from 6 to 7 p.m. SUNDAY at the church. There will be fun, games and music.

FORT DODGE — The annual Friends of St. Edmond Craft and Vendor Show is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. SATURDAY at the school, 2321 Sixth Ave. N. There will be over 100 vendors and handmade crafters. Admission is $5 per person. Door prizes and pictures with Santa will be available. There will also be a bake sale, hot chocolate bar and athletic and music boosters concession stand serving breakfast, lunch, drinks and snacks.

FORT DODGE — First United Methodist Church, 1002 First Ave. N., presents Santa’s Meet and Greet from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. SATURDAY at the church. This free event includes a lunch and a free printed photo with Santa. Kids can enjoy crafts and games while waiting their turn to pick out a new book. A special ornament will be given to honor a child’s first Christmas. A resource table with free hats, gloves and children’s coats will be available.

FORT DODGE — Fort Dodge Area Symphony presents “Joy to the World!” at 3 p.m. SUNDAY at the Fort Dodge Middle School auditorium, 800 N. 32nd St. Admission is by season membership or $15 for adults at the door. Students and children are free with an adult.

FORT DODGE — “A Time for Angels” is 1:30 p.m. SUNDAY at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, 239 N. 11th St. The program is dedicated to those who are grieving the death of a loved one. Speakers will be the Rev. Emily Sauer-Alvarez and Monsignor Kevin McCoy. There will be refreshments in the church fellowship hall at the conclusion of the service.

FORT DODGE — St. Paul Lutheran Church, 400 S. 13th St., presents “In Flesh Revealed Our Christmas Joy” at 2 p.m. SUNDAY at the church. There will be festive Christmas piano and organ music by Glenn Henriksen.