T-R FILE PHOTOS — A few scenes from last year’s “Old Fashioned Christmas on Main” celebration in State Center. The annual event will return on Friday night from 5 to 7 p.m.

STATE CENTER — The 24th annual Old Fashioned Christmas on Main is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. Most festivities will span 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 1.

The event, put on by the State Center Promotions Committee, offers a little something for everyone with many activities cost-free.

“It’s always a good time and people really enjoy it. We have people from out of State Center come too,” said committee member Julie Riley.

From noon to 7 p.m., check out the holiday craft and food vendors set up at Mitchell’s West Marshall Chapel, 104 W. Main St. Riley said a highlight will be the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church CCW ladies selling a variety of cheeseballs.

The historic Watson’s Grocery Store, 106 W. Main St., will be where Santa and Mrs. Claus will be stationed for meetings with youngsters, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

New this year will be an outdoor screening of the movie “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” at 5 p.m. in the fire station parking lot. Bring your own lawn chairs and enjoy complimentary s’mores by the fire pits.

Free horse-drawn trolley rides, located in front of UnityPoint Health Therapy, 130 W. Main St., will go from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., run by Denny Dostel.

Freewill hot dogs and chili, sponsored by SCDA, will start at 5 p.m., with proceeds going to the West Marshall student activities. This will be set up in front of the development building, 110 E. Main St.

From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., drop off non-perishable food items for West Marshall area families in front of Central State Bank, 109 W. Main St., for Pack the Police Car. You can also drop off monetary donations for Shop With a Cop, which benefits West Marshall families.

Elves will be patrolling the street handing out holiday treats while the Brocal Chords, a male music group from Drake University, will carol down Main Street, starting at 6:30 p.m.

The West Marshall Art Show will be set up at Jacobson Photography, 124 W. Main St. Come see the work of local students.

Many businesses will be hosting open houses, presenting the ideal time to shop locally.

“Some of them put out quite a spread for the holidays. You can stop by for refreshments, which include coffee, punch, cookies, pastries or candy at one of the many open houses,” Riley said. “We are also pleased to announce another new business in town, Starry Grove Sweet Treats, located at 101 E. Main Street, which serves breakfast, lunch, baked items, ice cream and coffee. Be sure to stop in and welcome them to the community.”

From 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., enjoy the third annual West Marshall Christmas Carnival and free face painting, located at 118 W. Main St.

First Presbyterian Church will be sponsoring a spaghetti supper from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at city hall (upstairs), 118 E. Main St. An elevator is available. Entertainment will start at 5:30 p.m.

Viewable all day will be the life-sized Nativity set up at 112 W. Main St. Head to Gutekunst Public Library, 309 Second St. SE, to view the Festival of Tiny Trees. While there, bring your kids to see Miss Linda at 4 p.m. for storytime and a craft.

“This is held indoors, and we may have up to 40 trees, depending on how many people participate,” said Gutekunst Library Director Mara Edler. “These are artificial trees the library buys and then patrons take them home and decorate them, then return them for judging. They are available at the front desk.”

Trees must be returned to the library between Nov. 27 and Nov. 30. Voting begins Dec. 1 and will end Dec. 8.

Categories are youth and adult. One People’s Choice winner will be named in each.

Also going on will be the citywide lighting contest. Riley said this is open to residents, and first, second and third place winners will be recognized.

Volunteers are always needed. To learn more, visit Old Fashioned Christmas on Main on Facebook.