Multitude of holiday events abound this weekend
Don't even think about leaving town this weekend.
There are plenty of things to do and see this weekend, beginning with the opening games of the 2002-03 Hillsboro High School basketball season.
But there's much more going on that will help even the grouchiest "bah-humbug"-ers get into the holiday spirit.
Here's a quick rundown of what to do Saturday and Sunday.
— Hillsboro United Methodist Church live nativity
This is the first year for the UMC live nativity. It's a drive-through affair, which means you can enjoy the seven scenes depicting the Christmas story without even leaving your car.
The nativity will be set up at the ball diamond adjacent to Memorial Park. You can enter through the Adobe House driveway, and you'll be directed to the first panel from there.
The live nativity runs Saturday and Sunday nights from 6 to 8 p.m. The event is free.
— Holiday home tour
Finally, you have an excuse to look through your neighbor's house.
No, that doesn't mean you get the chance to go through his or her medicine cabinets. But it does mean that on Sunday afternoon, you'll get to tour some of Hillsboro's finest and most festively decorated homes.
The tour runs from 4 to 7 p.m., and the cost is $5 per person. You can pick up a ticket and map at any of the tour locations. Or, get your tickets in advance at Nancy's Fashions, Emprise Bank, and Dale's Supermarket.
This year's homes are: Randal and Carolyn Brazil, 516 S. Wilson; David and Linda Mathis, 200 Willow Glen Lane; Ken and Ruby Schroeder, 15 Park Ave.; Nadine Friesen, 304 S. Cedar; and Deanne Duerksen, 306 S. Cedar.
Refreshments will be available at the First Mennonite Church, where you can also view Christmas table displays.
— Sunday with Santa
There's no "Breakfast with Santa" this year, but never fear — Ol' St. Nick will still make his annual appearance at the Hillsboro American Legion.
"Sunday with Santa" is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. and run until 4. Then, once the kiddies are filled up with ice cream sundaes, it's time for the home tour.
— Schaeffler House tours
The Schaeffler House isn't open all year round, but come Christmas time it's decked out in holiday finery. This is its first Christmas season since it was named to the National Historic Register this spring.
Tours will be given on Sunday afternoon from 2 to 4 p.m. The cost is $3 per person, and children under 12 are free.
— "Messiah" performance
Finally, no Hillsboro Christmas season would be complete without Tabor College's annual performance of Handel's "Messiah." It begins Sunday night at 8 p.m. at the Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church.
The 90-member Oratorio Chorus will be accompanied by the community orchestra and musicians on the harpsichord and organ.
Hillsboro High School grad Brad Just is one of the scheduled soloists.
