Soul-Making Keats
The final day for mailing entries to the Soul-Making Keats (SMK) literary competition is Wednesday, November 30. The fee is $5 per entry and multiple submissions are allowed.
SMK submission guidelines are posted at Kilmarnock and Northumberland libraries, the Book Nook in Kilmarnock and at www.soulmaking contest.
CASA wreaths
Northern Neck CASA’s wreaths are ready to be delivered. Pick up wreaths at the distribution location originally indicated upon ordering. Those with related questions may call 462-0881.
In Kilmarnock, distribution will be at Chesapeake Commons from 4-6 p.m. December 1, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. December 2 and 3. In Burgess, distribution will be at Primus Bank from 10 a.m.-noon December 3. In Warsaw, distribution will be at Warsaw Town Park from noon-2 p.m. December 3.
Christmas concerts
Chesapeake Chorale will present Christmas concerts at 8 p.m. December 2 at Northumberland High School, 201 Academic Lane, Claraville, and December 3 at Lancaster Middle School, 191 School Street, Kilmarnock, and 3 p.m. December 4 at St. Clare Walker Middle School, 6814 General Puller Highway, Locust Hill.
Tickets are $10 each, and can be purchased from chorale members; from Chesapeake Bank, Kilmarnock; and at the door.
Oysters & Oldies
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church will hold its 15th annual Oysters & Oldies Christmas Oyster Roast from 12:30-3:30 p.m. December 3 at Roanoke Farm, 6108 Northumberland Highway, Heathsville. Tickets, $40 each, are available at ststephensheathsville.org/oyster-roast or at St. Stephen’s Thrift Shop in Heathsville.
The menu will include roasted or raw oysters, chili, hot dogs, homemade brownies and cookies, and soft drinks. Wine, craft beers, seltzer and ciders also will be available.
Santa’s Village
Santa’s Village, a Christmas-themed mini-North Pole, will be held December 2 and 3 at Town Centre Park, 150 North Main Street, Kilmarnock. Children will travel to eight different tents representing the North Pole and learn how toys are made and tested for the big day.
The fee is $12 per child younger than age 10 and $18 per person for everyone else. Tickets are only available at Kilmarnockva.ticketleap.com.
Christmas village
Rice’s Hotel/Hughlett’s Tavern, 73 Monument Place, Heathsville, will host Golden Village Christmas from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. December 3.
Activities will include an antique car cruise in, shopping, caroling, children’s shopping by appointment, a visit from Santa from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., and a tree-lighting ceremony at 4 p.m. with Christmas readings and caroling. Children’s shopping also will be available from noon-2 p.m. December 4. For an appointment, call 580-3377.
Christmastide
Stratford Hall, 483 Great House Road, Stratford, will host a Christmastide Celebration from 5-8 p.m. December 10. Stratford Hall buildings and grounds will be decorated in holiday spirit. Listen to colonial music and step into the historic kitchen for a cooking demonstration.
The fee is $20 for adults and children older than age 14; $10 for ages 6-13, and free for ages 5 and younger. Friends of Stratford members will be admitted at no charge. Purchase tickets at stratfordhall.org.
Christmas Bazaar
The Mathews Historical Museum recently announced it will open its doors to Christmas shoppers December 9, prior to Santa’s arrival on Main Street December 10.
The two-day Christmas Bazaar will showcase area artisans who will display jewelry, baked goods, holiday greens and other treasures.
Christmas event
Ma Margaret’s House Bed & Breakfast, 249 Greenfield Road, Reedville, will host its second annual Community Christmas Event from 4-7 p.m. December 10.
The event will feature Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, hot cocoa, games, hayrides, music, family fun and the lighting of the Christmas tree.
Chicken dinners
Chicken dinners will be available from 5-6:30 p.m. on first Mondays at American Legion Post #117, 39 School Street, Reedville.
Meals include fried chicken, mashed potatoes, choice of vegetables, salad, roll, dessert and drink. Dinners are $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 12 and younger, at the door.
Free pass
Stratford Hall, 483 Great House Road, Stratford, will offer a free day for residents of Westmoreland, King George, Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond and Essex counties on December 11.
Explore over 1,800 acres with access to the Great House, historic buildings, hiking trails, public beach area, gardens, Visitor Center and Gift Shop.
Writers series
The Virginia Writers Series will continue December 14 at Belle Isle State Park, 1632 Belle Isle Road, Lancaster. The guest speaker will be Sharon Baldacci, author of A Sundog Moment: A Novel of Hope. The Visitor Center will open at 5 p.m. The lecture will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by time with the author.
The fee is $10 per person and includes light refreshments and parking. Good Luck Cellars will sell wine by the glass. Reservations are recommended, call 462-5030, or email [email protected].
On Stage
The Rappahannock Foundation On Stage series at the Lancaster Middle School Theater, 191 School Street, Kilmarnock, continues with Jose Feliciano, December 15.
Single tickets are $73 each. Purchase single tickets at www.rappahannockfoundation.org.
Chocolate
Caesar’s Chocolate: The History and Legacy of one of Virginia’s Earliest Chocolate Makers, will be presented at 7 p.m. December 15 by Zoom. Register at stratfordhall.org.
Kid’s Santa Welcome Party
Allure Art Center, 419 Rappahannock Drive, White Stone, will host a Kid’s Santa Welcome Party from 5:30-8:30 p.m. December 16. Santa is coming to town. Welcome him as he passes through town.
Bring chairs or blankets, enjoy a festive holiday light display, holiday picture board, holiday music, warm fire and treats. David and Zora Aiken will sign and offer to create personalized prints from their book series along with other specials and gifts. Free kids holiday coloring pages.
Meet arthur Lee
Restless Genius: Arthur Lee & the Life of Purpose will be presented at 7 p.m. December 20 by Zoom. Register at stratfordhall.org.
