‘Fill the Trailer’ drive

A “Fill the Trailer” will be held for the Salem Community Food Pantry from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Quaker City Eagles #316, 1884 N. Ellsworth Ave., Salem. The trailer will be located in the parking lot in front of the building. All types of canned goods, pasta and any non-perishable food items. Monetary donations will also be accepted. Sponsored by the Salem Eagles #316, Mahoning County Federation, Columbiana Federation, Stark County Federation and Ohio Federation.

Salem band fruit sale

The 2024-25 “Pride of Salem” Marching Band annual fruit sale delivery is scheduled for Thursday in the high school auditorium lobby area. Students will begin delivering individual orders following the completion of classes at 2:45 p.m. Those electing for public pickup of orders may contact Band Director Hannah McFarland’s office at 330-332-8905 Ext. 58355 prior to noon to schedule an afternoon pickup time on the day of delivery. All pickup hours will run from 12:30 to 5 p.m. curbside along F.E. Cope Drive (high school auditorium parking lot entrance). Any questions pertaining to public pickup or additional information and assistance may be directed to Fruit Sale Coordinator Gregg Warner at 330-261-5413. Volunteers will be on site throughout the day for assistance with orders and loading into vehicles.

Christmas in the Country

Garden trugs are just some of the featured offerings at the Winona Area Historical Society’s Christmas in the Country 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Shoppers will also find hand-crafted treasures from wood, fabric and horseshoes; specialty baked goods; original art work; ceramic Christmas trees; wreaths; a variety of ornaments; and much, much more, all reasonably priced, contributed by local crafters. Many collectible/vintage Disney ornaments (lots of Winnie the Pooh characters) have been gifted for the sale. The popular trash and treasures area will be open. Entry to the event is free at the handicap accessible 1838 Quaker Meeting House/Museum on the campus of the Winona Area Historical Society at the corner of Winona Road and Cameron Street, Winona.

EP Eagles chicken dinner

East Palestine Eagles 1506 Wednesday will host its monthly drive thru stuffed chicken breast dinner with baked potato, vegetable and roll for $11. Drive thru is 4 to 6 p.m. or until sold out. Call 330-853-8483 to reserve a meal.

Downtown Wonderland

Minerva’s historic North Market Street will be transformed into a Downtown Wonderland on Saturday, 3 to 6 p.m., with a wide variety of free Christmas treats, crafts, activities, music and more, as well as the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The Christmas parade will step off at 3 p.m. from Minerva Elementary School, proceeding up Bonnieview, to Line Street, to North Market Street, and ending in the Minerva Schools bus garage parking lot.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will come to town with the parade and will then hear Christmas wishes and pose for free pictures in the Roxy Theatre, 114 N. Market St. Photography will be by Sierra Green, and photo printing and mailing will be donated by Real Integrity Real Estate Services Agent Brandy Berry and Minerva Bowl.

Treat trees sponsored by area businesses and organizations and loaded with goodies for children to take, will line the street. The treat trees will be covered until after the parade and are intended for children only. Parents are asked to limit their children to one treat from each tree.

The Minerva Community Band will play at 2:30 p.m., the East Canton High School Choir will perform at 3:30 p.m., and the Minerva High School Choir, at 4 p.m.

Available at downtown locations will be hot chocolate, cookies, s’mores, and other snacks; free hot dogs and hot chocolate for kids from Walker’s Cafe; cookie decorating sponsored by Kishman’s IGA, an ice-carving demonstration, bowling sponsored by Minerva Bowl, a take-your-own-photo booth, face painting and temporary Christmas tattoos, make-and-take crafts from Minerva Public Library, writing letters to Santa, a scavenger hunt, “train” rides from Minerva FFA, free books from the Minerva Teachers Association, a Christmas card tree provided by Minerva Mission, and much more. A map of all activities will be available the day of the event and on Facebook.

A live Nativity, provided Faith Fellowship will be located on High Street, and scarves handmade by members of First Presbyterian Church will be tied to lampposts for anyone to take.

Free raffle tickets will be distributed to children during the event, and one lucky child will win a sled full of toys donated by Real Integrity Real Estate Services, as well as the opportunity to light the Christmas tree with Santa in Mayor’s Park at the corner of Main and West Line streets. The winning ticket will be drawn following caroling at the tree, beginning at 5:30 p.m., and the winner must be present.

For information, contact the Minerva Area Chamber of Commerce, 330-868-7979 or denise.freeland@minervachamber.org.