The 23rd annual Hometown Christmas will once again aim to bring holiday cheer to its visitors. This year's event will be hosted by the Warrenton Downtown Association (WDA) and will take place Friday, Dec. 2, along Main Street in Warrenton. WDA member Alouise Marschel said she's hopeful this year will be as successful as in previous years. "We're just going to have some fun and camaraderie with the people in the community," she said. Christmas caroling, carriage rides and a chili cook-off are just some of the highlights featured during this year's event. "Being able to have this in our town, this is our kickoff to let people know what is in downtown Warrenton," Marschel said. A tree lighting ceremony at Friedens United Church of Christ will begin the evening's festivities. The lighting is at 5:45 p.m. with the Revs. Jason Emmerson and Eric Schmidt scheduled to speak. A live Nativity scene at Friedens will be on display following the tree lighting. Hometown Christmas will do its part to provide popular wintertime food for visitors with a chili cook-off sponsored by the WDA and Warrenton Jaycees. The chili cook-off will be held on the patio at Brewskies from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Entry fee for the cook-off is $50. Visitors may purchase a cup for $5 to sample the chili. Awards for "best chili," "most creative" and "people's choice" will be presented with all proceeds from the cook-off benefiting Warren County nonprofit agencies. Carriage rides for visitors will begin and end at PNC Bank and cookies and hot chocolate will be available at city hall. While at city hall, visitors can see Santa's Stop, which will include a wreath decorating contest, Santa's sleigh pictures, live reindeer, visiting with Mrs. Claus and letters to Santa. Wreath contest entries will be on display from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. and the public will choose a winner. There will be a people's choice award for four divisions, including "business," "organization," "individual adult" and "individual child." Wreath entries can be dropped off at city hall Thursday and Friday, Dec. 1-2. Wreaths will be accepted between 5-5:30 p.m. on Friday. Santa also will make an appearance for area children at Brenda Sue's on Main Street. There will be no charge to have a picture taken with Santa Wright City Parade The Wright City Christmas Parade will be held Thursday, Dec. 1, at 6 p.m. The parade will begin at Ruge Park and end at Diekroeger Park. It will feature a number of floats from area organizations and businesses as well as caroling from local Girl Scout troops. Following the parade, visitors can gather at the Wil Heiliger Activity Building at Diekroeger Park for hot chocolate, cookies and the chance to visit with Santa and write him letters. On Saturday, Dec. 3, a pancake breakfast with Santa is scheduled from 9-11 a.m. at Diekroeger Park. The breakfast is free for those 10 and under and $3 for those over 10. -erecord@centurytel.net