Gnome Kings and Glitzy Trains
Gnome Kings and Glitzy Trains
lighting up the dark season with festivities
The holidays are already lit in Baldwin City, with the glow of white lights illuminating downtown every evening like a Hallmark movie scene. We’ve heard rumors the gnomes are marching back to town, with Sven, Fountain King of the Gnomenclature, at their head. Read on for parades, decorating contests, gingerbread houses, snowglobe trains, and more — all ready to roll before the turkey’s gone.
Before we get to the fun parts, let’s cover business.
Sales Tax
The sales tax referendum designated for brick street restoration was approved at the polls on November 8th. City Council will need to approve an ordinance with specifics regarding the date collection of the tax will begin before taxes go up.
Due to a clerical error in the process, the amount of tax on the ballot was .25% instead of .50%. The amount collected will match the ballots.
Community invited to weigh in on five County Commission districts
There will be a town hall meeting about the five Douglas County Commission districts at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, in Flory Meeting Hall at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2120 Harper St. More information is available on the county website.
Congrats to the girls’ cheer squad!
3rd place at the KSHAA Competition is no small feat. We’re proud of you, bulldogs!
Hutson’s Pond at Firetree Park
The retaining pond at Fire Tree Park is getting a makeover with some donated help from BTSK Excavating LLC. After the water was pumped out, the pond was dug out and cleaned up. Once it is refilled, it will be stocked for neighborhood fishing. City Council has renamed it Hutson’s Pond, in honor of a young citizen who addressed the governing body in favor of the work. It will take some time to finish up, but the pond is expected to be a pleasant fishing area for locals.
Creek-crossing Cleanup Continues
The contractors working on cleaning up the creek crossings on Firetree Avenue will return on Monday, November 28th. As before, Flame Way and Crimson Ave will be soft blocked at Firetree Avenue during this process, meaning we will maintain access but it will be one lane only and may take some time to get through. For the safety of all, we are asking traffic to please use the alternate entrance from N 400th Rd if possible while the work is ongoing.
We’re Hiring
Current open positions include Cemetery Sexton, Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, Municipal Court Clerk, Journeyman Lineman, and Chamber Executive Director. Apply in person at City Hall or via email.
Coming Up
All city offices are closed on Thursday and Friday, November 24 & 25, for the Thanksgiving Holiday. This includes City Hall, Public Works, and the Police Department. However, officers will be on patrol as always.
City offices will also be closed December 23-26 and December 30-January 1 for Christmas and New Years, respectively.
Don’t forget to shop local this season! Start with this amazing holiday shopping guide from The Maple and the Baldwin City Chamber. Play bingo for chances to win great prizes!
Festival of Lights is December 3rd. Get all of the relevant details in one spot on the Chamber’s fantastic Festival of Lights page.
The Recreation Commission’s Breakfast with Santa is from 9-11am. Sign up and get more information on the Rec’s website.
Gingerbread House Parties are happening at the Lumberyard Arts Center for the 10th Year. Sign up on their website, or visit from 5-7pm view the finished gingerbread houses and holiday art show. Don’t forget to stop in at the Holiday Market from 9am-12pm also!
Vintage Park is once again hosting their Holiday Bazaar and Open House from 9am to 1pm. See information on the Chamber’s website.
Baldwin Academy of Dance and Voice is hosting a Nutcracker Experience beginning at 4pm in their Maker Space.
Baldwin First United Methodist’s Soup Supper also returns this year, from 4:30pm-6pm.
The parade begins at 6pm, with all the festive fun that goes with it. To enter, sign up on the Chamber website or stop in at 719 High Street.
More Happenings
The Chamber’s Holiday Window Decorating Contest is back. Enter by December 2, and winners will be announced at the parade on December 3.
The City’s Residential Decorating Contest returns this year, with a mixture of cash prizes and utility credit. Sign up by December 15 for a chance to win up to $250 + $100 credit on your bill!
This holiday season, Midland Railway’s Snowglobe Express is offering an incredible magical journey to Snowglobe, where Santa’s reindeer live. Get more information and buy tickets on their website.
Baldwin City Police Department is hosting a Holiday Open House on December 14, from 5pm-7pm. Stop in for tours and refreshments.
On Thanksgiving Eve, we send you the best of wishes for a happy and safe holiday for you and yours. We’re looking forward to spending time with our families as well, and helping to create a truly memorable hometown holiday season in Baldwin City. Cheers.
