Princetons downtown ushers in Christmas season

The “It’s a Wonderful Life in Princeton” Christmas open house is this weekend in downtown Princeton.  The festivities kicked off at 5:30 p.m. Friday evening when Santa arrived by fire truck to light the Christmas tree at Darius Miller Park.  Stores in both the north- and south-end business districts will be open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Horse-drawn carriage rides are offered at the south end Saturday and on the

north end Sunday, and a trolley is available to transport shoppers from one district to the other.  Prairie Arts Center gallery will be open both days so shoppers can stop in to view the Mini-Tree Festival and bid on their favorite trees decorated by local artists.  Events Saturday include a German Markt at Open Prairie United Church a Friends of Strays bake sale in the Prouty Building, a used book sale at Princeton Public Library and a holiday vendor fest at the Clark House. Bureau County Chorus, bell ringers and Covered Bridge Chorus provide holiday music along South Main Street throughout the afternoon, and Santa is at the Prouty Building.  Sunday, the bell ringers and Princeton High School Madrigals provide musical entertainment.