Pana Chamber discusses Christmas events

PANA — One question was under discussion during last week’s Pana Chamber of Commerce virtual meeting. The question: “How can Pana handle Christmas events properly with COVID-19 still prevalent?”

Chamber president Al Stupek would open the meeting with a discussion of their upcoming Christmas event. Stupek would state that the Lions Club was canceling their event as a result of their most recent meeting. All Santa events would also not take place.

With an increase in COVID-19 cases in Pana and throughout Illinois, Stupek would recommend canceling all in-person events. This would be as a result of new restrictions that take place beginning Friday.

Jennifer Mathis, a Chamber board member, felt it would be irresponsible to continue with their events. As a result, the Christmas parade that normally takes place after the Thanksgiving holiday will not be taking place. Also facing the impact of cancellations are the Santa visits in the house downtown and the annual free movie at the Roseland Theater.

However, Mathis and Terry Schafer would make some alternative suggestions for events that can take place this season. These alternatives would require a hands-off approach.

Pana Community Christmas lighting display contest making a return

The first suggestion is a revival of the community Christmas lighting display contest, which was last held many years ago.

Residents can register their homes in the contest beginning Saturday, Nov. 28, also known as  Small Business Saturday. The deadline is short, as it concludes one week later on December 5.

A public voting timeframe will be from December 6 through December 19. These votes can be cast by sending an email to the Chamber’s office.

The announcement of winners will be on December 21, with the winner receiving a $250 top prize. There are also prizes for second and third place, receiving $150 and $100 respectively.

Dawn Wonsik is the coordinator for this contest.

Santa to ride around town on a fire truck, virtual tree lighting November 28

A second suggestion is to have their local Santa ride around town on a fire truck on Saturday, Nov. 28.

Mathis and Stupek will be coordinating with the appropriate contacts to make arrangements.

A virtual Christmas tree lighting will also take place that day.

Weekly scavenger hunt, Christmas stocking giveaway

A third suggestion is to hold a weekly scavenger hunt. The weekly event would begin on November 30 and end on December 26.

Clues will be given throughout the week each week for the location of a token. The token can then be brought in to the Chamber office for a prize.

Mathis and Schafer will be coordinators for this event.

A final suggestion was to once again hold the Christmas stocking giveaway. Extry boxes will be available at local businesses during the month of December until December 20.

Other notable events

Bob Smith is resigning from the Chamber board of directors. The realtor from Grissom-Schmitz Realty recently entered retirement.

Two additional members would join the Chamber. They are Hickory Estates Memory Care and CTI Fiber.

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Jake Leonard

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Jake Leonard, a broadcast media and journalism veteran, is the editor-in-chief of Heartland Newsfeed. Leonard is also GM and program director of Heartland Newsfeed Radio Network, wrestling editor and contributing writer for Ambush Sports, a contributing writer for My Sports Vote and Midwest Sports Network, and a former contributor to Bleacher Report and Overtime Heroics. He resides at home in Nokomis, Ill. with his dog Buster.

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