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2008 Information Available Soon

Special Instructions for Courthouse Entertainment
Enter the Courthouse at the northwest ground-level entrance. The elevator is located at the far end of the hallway. Push “1” for the Quilt Show and “2” for the main courtroom. There are 8 steps to be negotiated to enter the courtroom.

Santa will receive visitors in his little red house on the town square near the gazebo throughout the weekend: 3-7 pm on Friday, 10 am to 6 pm on Saturday, and Sunday noon to 3 pm.

Classic Carriages
Will offer carriage rides on the town square both Friday and Saturday evenings from 5-7:30 pm. Modest fee required.

Grinch Sing-Along
Led by Brandee Huff, youngsters of all ages will enjoy this song-fest with the Grinch at 6:00pm Friday evening in the main courtroom in the Macoupin County Courthouse (2nd floor).

Professor Longhair
A perennial Christmas Market favorite, “Professor Longhair” will be strolling the square and exhibitor tents on Saturday, delighting youngsters with face painting and balloon animals.

Trolley Car Rides
Board the red Bluff City Trolley and be transported in comfort for a narrated ride through historic Carlinville. The Bluff City guides are well versed in Carlinville history and interesting trivia, and riding the trolley has become a family tradition for many Market visitors! Park your car, truck, or bus, and relax for this approximately 30-minute ride. The trolley will pick up and drop off passengers at the Square, the Carlinville Plaza, and the Anderson Mansion/Macoupin County Historical Society Museum so you may disembark to shop or dine and then board again later to travel to the next destination. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Donations accepted.

Strolling Entertainers & Street Shows
Throughout the festival, strolling entertainers will be performing in the Market tents and streets. For specifics, please check the schedules posted in the exhibitor tents and the food court (located at the Knights of Columbus Hall on the north side of the square).

Live Readers’ Theater
Enjoy “Christmas with a Difference: New Takes on Old Favorites,” an entertaining and amusing program presented by the Oral Interpretation Class of Blackburn College on Friday evening at 5:30 pm in the Courthouse/main courtroom (2nd floor). Twists will include “Frosty the Snowperson” and “Twas the Night Before Christmas…in Brooklyn!”

Quilt Show
Friday 7-9 pm, Saturday 10 am-5 pm, and Sunday 12-3 pm. Exhibit is located on the main floor of the courthouse. Irish Harpist Patric Harvey will serenade visitors on Saturday afternoon.

Barbershop Quartet
The smooth sounds of the barbershop quartet Prairie sound will be performed in concert Saturday afternoon at 1:00 pm in the Courthouse/main courtroom (2nd floor).

Blackburn Voices
Back by popular demand, the “Blackburn Voices” will be dressed in ornate costumes and will perform medieval holiday songs to the accompaniment of ancient musical instruments at 2:00 pm in the Courthouse/main courtroom (2nd floor).

Just to Dance
Enjoy this recital performed by the students of Mary Ann Harp’s ballet and jazz classes at 3:00 pm in the Courthouse/main courtroom (2nd floor).

Folk Music Trio
The Sam, Linda, and Nate folk trio will perform in the Courthouse’s main courtroom (2nd floor) at 4:00 pm on Saturday. Accompanied by acoustic guitars, they will sing folk rock from the 60’s and 70’s. Sam Meredith and Nate Rush have been performing together for 16 years; Linda Masters joined them 4 years ago.

Living Nativity
Calvary Baptist Church, Hillsboro, has been sharing the Nativity Story with their community for 21 years in a “drive-by” setting. Dressed in stunning costumes, the nativity features wise men, singing angels, shepherds, and the nativity family. Live animals provided by Carlinville resident Dave Shelton. Be sure to make time to view this lovely vignette on the town square. Sunday only, 1-3 pm.

Christmas Concert in the Courthouse
A longtime tradition, this Sunday afternoon concert features many of the best vocalists and musicians in the area. Held in the Main courtroom of the courthouse. The concert starts at 1:00 pm and will last as long as the music does! Come for part or all of this delightful event.

Comedy Show
Emmanuel Baptist Church invites everyone to the comedy “A Cricket County Christmas Cruise.” Join the fun and laughter as the craziest, most mixed-up bunch of passengers ever assembled set sail on the Seven Seas for a Christmas cruise. Admission is free and seating is on a first come basis. Complimentary refreshments will be served in the church foyer following the 45-minute presentation. One performance will be given daily at 6:00 pm Friday and Saturday and at 3:00 pm on Sunday. Emmanuel Baptist Church is located on South Broad just 2 blocks south of the square.

Bell Choir
The United Methodist Church Bell Choir, under the direction of Chris Powell, will ring in the holiday season at 7 pm Friday evening. The church is located on South Broad one block south of the square.

Holly Jolly Playhouse
St. Paul’s United Church of Christ offers a variety of holiday games for children at their playhouse on Friday from 5-8 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, and on Sunday from noon to 2 pm. One ticket allows participation in such activities as decorating a hat or a Christmas cookie, face painting, candy cane pull, ice fishing, and penguin bowling. Tickets are $0.50 each or 12 for $5.00. Special seating is provided for the parents. Follow the signs posted outside of the East Main tent’s east entrance/exit area to reach the Playhouse (St. Paul’s is situated directly north of the courthouse.)

Community Choir
The Carlinville Community Choir, under the direction of Ken Redmore, will perform well-loved Christmas songs on Saturday evening at 7 pm at the United Methodist Church. This vocal ensemble has been delighting audiences for many years with classics as well as contemporary favorites. The church is located on South Broad one block south of the square.

Annual Christmas Concert
Reconnect with the true meaning of Christmas as the Blackburn College Music Department presents its annual candlelight concert Sunday evening at 7:00 pm in Clegg Chapel on the campus. Driving directions: from the Square, take Route 4 North (North Broad Street) to the stoplight at Nicholas Street. Go east on Nicholas to College and then turn left to enter the campus. Clegg Chapel/Hudson Hall will be on the right.