McPherson City Digest

MCPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson community has a full calendar of holiday events, business opportunities, and cultural activities scheduled throughout December, according to the McPherson Chamber of Commerce.

Business and Economic Development

The Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge takes place Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the McPherson Community Building, 122 E. Marlin St. High school students will present business concepts through executive summaries and trade show booths, competing for cash prizes and advancement to the state competition in Manhattan. The public can attend the trade show and vote for the People's Choice Award.

Manufacturing company Viega is holding a career fair Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at its main plastics building lobby, 2211 Viega Ave. Candidates for hourly production roles including operators, process technicians, and tool and die makers can interview on-site with potential immediate job offers for December start dates.

Residents can review proposed improvements to the U.S. 56 corridor at an open house Tuesday, Dec. 9, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the McPherson Community Building. The study covers the highway stretch from McPherson to the U.S. 77 intersection east of Marion.

Holiday Shopping Initiatives

The Chamber is promoting "Candy Cane Cash" through Dec. 31, offering $1,000 or $500 prizes to shoppers who support local merchants. Participants receive a mark for every $10 spent at participating stores, with completed five-mark forms eligible for the drawing.

"Chamber Checks" provide flexible holiday gift options accepted at more than 50 local businesses. The checks can be purchased in any denomination at the Chamber office, 306 N. Main St., or by calling 620-241-3303.

Community Events

Multiple "Cookies with Santa" sessions are scheduled at local businesses, including Thursday, Dec. 11, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at McPherson Eye Care; Saturday, Dec. 13, at the McPherson Public Library (9:30-11 a.m.) and Sheets-Adams Realtors (1:30-3 p.m.); and Thursday, Dec. 18, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Advanced Physical Therapy. Additional sessions are set for Dec. 20 at The Clayworks and Nex-Tech Wireless.

The inaugural "McPherson Great Light Fight" allows residents to vote online until Dec. 16 for the best holiday displays in categories including "Best Overall," "The WOW Factor," "Brightest Display," and the "Griswold Award."

Arts and Entertainment

The McPherson Opera House, 219 S. Main St., will screen "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 3 p.m., sponsored by area Free Methodist churches. "The Star" will show Saturday, Dec. 20, at 3 p.m., backed by local businesses including Artshirt, Peoples Bank & Trust, and Wendy's. Both screenings are free with concessions available.

The McPherson Community Brass Choir presents its Christmas concert Sunday, Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m. at the Opera House. The ensemble features musicians from their 20s to 80s performing holiday favorites. Admission is free with a free-will offering.

"Forever Simon & Garfunkel" tribute show takes place Friday, Dec. 12, at 7:30 p.m., featuring Sean Altman and Jack Skuller. The opera "Amahl and the Night Visitors" will be performed Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. by Music On Site, with free tickets required for admission.

Additional Activities

Three Rings Brewery, 534 U.S. Hwy 81 Bypass, hosts charity bingo every Friday in December at 6:30 p.m. The Dec. 12 event benefits the McPherson County Food Bank, while Dec. 19 supports the Meadowlark Trail project.

Peoples Bank and Trust, 101 S. Main St., holds its Christmas Open House on Friday, Dec. 12, during regular lobby hours.

The United Way of McPherson County is hosting a "Growing Christmas Hearts" memorial fundraiser supporting Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Donors can visit 306 N. Main St. or contribute online to receive a heart ornament for the organization's book tree.

Stanion Wholesale Electric, 811 N. Hickory, is offering heated jackets and gear with purchases before Dec. 31 entered into a drawing for Milwaukee tools.

Central Christian College, 1200 S. Main, has launched a Legacy Brick Program allowing community members to purchase bricks honoring graduates, loved ones, or mentors.

FILI Creative, a Salina-based video production company, was recently highlighted for its visual storytelling work across Kansas. The company produces diverse content and hosts the "Ask A Kansan" podcast featuring local stories.

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