BLAND — Bland residents gathered Nov. 29 at the John L. Baxter Administration Building for an early dose of Christmas cheer as the city hosted its second annual holiday event, featuring chili, hot chocolate, ornament making, candy bags, and a visit from Santa Claus. Despite morning weather concerns and a cancelled parade, turnout exceeded expectations and brought families from across the area to celebrate the start of the season.

Bland Mayor Merrilee Spurgeon said the city aims to bring Santa to town ahead of neighboring communities each year.

“We have Santa Claus today,” she said. “We like to get him early and ahead of everyone. That way, we’re first.”

Attendees at the holiday event were treated to food and drinks to help celebrate the occasion, while some children engaged in arts and crafts.

“We have chili and hot chocolate and gifts, candy bags for the kids and you can make an ornament,” Spurgeon said.

She said this is the second year the city has held the event in its current format.

“This is the second year we did this this way. We usually have him (Santa) in the park, but the weather wasn’t cooperating,” she said. “Looks like there’s a good turnout so far.”

For the mayor, events like this are important particularly in a small town.

“It brings people together,” she said. “Especially when we have new people that’s been coming to town. It gives a chance to intermingle with other people and say, good little town to live in, and let’s live there, you know. So that’s a good thing. I like that part.”

While the Christmas parade is Bland’s only scheduled holiday event this season, she said plans are already underway for their 2026 celebration.

“Right now, this is the extent of what we have,” she said. “So next year we’re planning on a bigger parade. The Belle Fire Department was here, and I’m very grateful that they were. ”

The mayor said she was impressed by how many families still chose to come despite the dreary weather.

“When it was getting nasty out this morning, I thought, well, you know, it’s not going to work,” she said. “But it is, and they’re coming out. So that’s good. The more the better.”

She offered thanks to the team that helped the event come together.

“Rodney Turner and the two office girls, they’ve really done themselves proud,” she said. “They’re really good. They’re very creative. And of course, the other alderman here certainly had a lot to do with this.”

Planning for future improvements is ongoing, she added.

“We need to improve next year, a little more advertising, perhaps, or upgrade for better weather,” she said. “And of course, you know, money is always one of those things we have to worry about.”

Spurgeon ended by expressing appreciation for Bland’s population.

“We’re trying to grow,” she said. “We’re trying. We get a lot of newer people coming to town. That’s good. The younger, the better. You know, they’re trying. Maybe they’ll take root. That’s the good part, growing. And I’m grateful that everyone came out today. I really can’t say that enough.”

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus was in town visiting, greeting children, posing for photos, and watching kids create ornaments and drawings to send back to the North Pole.

Santa was asked why he came to town so early.

“Oh, I have to get out early,” Santa said with his iconic laugh. “It’s my busy season, and I love Bland. The people are just so wonderful. I have to get up early. I got so much scheduled going on. I got lots of things to do.”

Santa praised both the event and the community that hosted it.

“I have loved the town of Bland for many, many years. And the mayor, she is just a wonderful lady, you know?” he said. “I just cannot believe the turnout today that we’ve had with all the kids. The kids are just so great, and they’re making Santa Claus some pictures and crafts. It’s fantastic.”

Mrs. Claus noted that her husband’s schedule often keeps him away.

“Oh, he’s gone all the time, you know,” she said. “He leaves for days at a time or he’s in his workshop.”

Santa chimed in that she keeps things running while he’s away.

“She makes the cookies,” he said.

The couple said they were grateful to spend the day in Bland and wished the community well over the holiday season.

“Merry Christmas,” Santa said. “See you soon.”