Organizers of the 21st annual Hometown Christmas are hoping visitors get into the holiday spirit early. This year's event, hosted by the Warrenton Downtown Association, will take place this Friday, Dec. 4, along Main Street in Warrenton. Hometown Christmas will feature a chili cook-off, caroling, carriage rides and tours of the historic Schowengerdt House. There is minimal cost for some of the activities. "Hopefully it will be the best ever," said Alouise Marschel, WDA member. "It's a tradition we started years ago. There is something to do for everyone." The event begins at 4:45 p.m. with a tree lighting ceremony at Friedens United Church of Christ with Jason Emmerson as the featured speaker. A live Nativity will be on display throughout the evening. The third annual "Not Quite the Great Depression, but Definitely a Big Recession" chili cook-off will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. on the outdoor patio at Brewskies. Entry fee for the cook-off is $50. Registration forms are available at National City Bank, Brenda Sue's and Brewskies. Visitors can sample chili for $5. Awards will be presented for "best chili," "people's choice" and the recession inspired "cheapest chili." All proceeds from the cook-off, sponsored by WDA and the Warrenton Jaycees, will benefit Agape Ministry of Warren County. "It's a great way to give to Agape," Marschel said. Free carriage rides will begin and end at Tri-County Agency. The city of Warrenton will man a warming station in the insurance agency's parking lot offering free hot chocolate, roasted marshmallows and S'mores. Youngsters also can write letters that will be delivered to Santa and receive a response prior to Christmas. Tours at the Schowengerdt House will go from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The cost is $5 per person with children 12 and under admitted free with a paying adult. Santa also will be in attendance greeting youngsters at Brenda Sue's. There is no charge to have a picture taken with Santa. Multiple drawings will be held for store discounts. Costumed characters and the Black Hawk Middle School choir will carol up and down Main Street. In addition, other Main Street businesses will be open. Brenda Sue Fowler, WDA president, said Hometown Christmas gives residents a chance to stroll Main Street with a minimal cost for some of the activities. "I want more people to head downtown," said Fowler. "It's a kickoff to the holiday season." This year's Hometown Christmas also could be its last due to the uncertain future of WDA. Organizers, however, hope another organization will take over. "I hate to see it die, but all things have to come to an end," Marschel said. Some of the events will continue throughout the weekend. The Schowengerdt House will be open Saturday from 9-11 a.m. A breakfast beginning at 7 a.m. will be at held at College United Methodist Church and Friedens United Church of Christ will host its annual cookie walk from 8 a.m.-noon.