While ballots were being counted across the street at the Franklin County Courthouse, area residents were learning how to make holiday wreaths in the conference room of the Downtown Benton, Inc., office.

Instructor Nancy Odom said she has been interested in crafts most of her life. Her son, Alan, called Odom “naturally gifted.”

“She has always been very hand’s on when it comes to making things,” Alan Odom said. “She also enjoys flower arranging, and making Christmas ornaments and wreaths. She has taught classes through the University of Illinois Extension Office.”

Participants said they enjoyed making wreaths they could hang on their front doors this holiday season.

Odom, chairman of the organization committee, said DBI has more events in store.

The promotions committee will be offering a bow making and package decorating class at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17, in the DBI office, located at 202 Public Square. Gina Cockrum-Melvin of Vickee’s Floral and Cards will be the instructor.

“The promotions committee will also be offering a Christmas ornament class for kids at a later date,” Odom said. “Children will be given an ornament to decorate and take home.”

Odom said Santa Claus will be stopping in Benton early this year to visit with “all of the good little boys and girls.”

“Santa will arrive on the square on Tuesday, Dec. 6, in a motorized sleigh,” he said. “We will be lighting a huge holiday tree in Capitol Park and hope to have caroling at dusk. Santa will be in The Buzz, with free cookies and hot chocolate for the children. Parents are encouraged to have coffee and dessert while their children are visiting with Santa.

“A photographer will be available,” Odom said. “Parents are urged to have their child’s portrait made with Santa so they will have a record of the memory for years to come. We also hope to offer carriage rides beginning in front of Dan Malkovich Park. We are still working out the details.”

He said details have been ironed out for the final event of the year, a Holiday Magic Festival.

“We want to bring back that old-fashioned Christmas spirit to downtown Benton,” Odom said. “We encourage merchants to deck their halls with plenty of merchandise and wear their holiday smiles. Downtown Benton, Inc., members are working hard to revitalize the downtown area. It won’t happen overnight, but with everyone working together this can still be a community of which to be proud.”

Odom said Santa would return to The Buzz on Saturday, Dec. 13 for the Holiday Magic Festival.
“Photos with Santa will be held from 12:30 until 1:30 p.m., followed by story time with jolly Old St. Nick from 1:30 until 2:30 p.m. Children will be offered free rides on the Benton fire truck from 2:30 until 4 p.m.”

He said DBI still needs volunteers to help make the events a success.

“We are working to add to our volunteer base and need your help,” Odom said. “To volunteer or to sign up for the bow making class, call the DBI office at 439-6105 or 439-9753.