There are several holiday events planned in the region. Beginning this week, Rev-Up Madison is hosting the 2nd annual Downhome Christmas.

Bring the children to Main Street, Madison for breakfast with Santa at the new Hudson’s Café from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Breakfast will be $5.00 per plate. Then, enjoy a sleigh ride at the State Farm Insurance from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. for just $1.00. At the Rev-Up office, have your picture taken with Santa from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. and don’t miss the Madison Christmas Parade beginning at 2 p.m. Line-up begins at Foodland at 1:30 p.m.

Three other special events are slated for Saturday. The Whitesville Christmas parade is also set for this Saturday, Dec. 5. Also, from 3 until 5 p.m. 4H Christmas Party at the Danville Community Center. Crickett Hill’s Christmas for Kids Dinner Program will also be held this Saturday from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Orgas Community Center. Dinner for underprivileged children will consist of baked tavern ham, mashed potatoes, green beans and corn, fresh hot rolls, cup cakes, juice and soda. The program provides each child with a treat bag full of Christmas goodies, a toy, a stuffed animal, story time, dancing, fruit, a visit from Santa, a night full of Christmas love and magic, but most of all an opportunity to have a quality, sit-down family meal together.

On Sunday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Madison Civic Center, don’t forget about Secret Santa. This annual tradition starts when trucks are unloaded with thousands of presents for underprivileged kids.

Then, on Thursday, Dec. 10 , the Madison Middle School and Scott Music Festival Concert will take place. Bands and Choral groups from both schools will be performing separately and together at 7 p.m. in the Scott High School gym.

On Friday, Dec. 11 , the Marshall University Theatre presents “A Christmas Carol” at 8 p.m.

On Saturday, Dec. 19, The Nutcracker Ballet will perform at the Clay Center.

Dec. 17 – 20 at Coonskin Park, there will be Christmas light displays on from 5:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. Don’t forget the kiddie train ride and a chance to sit on Santa’s lap from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Family Center. This events are free.

Then, on Sunday, Dec. 20, at 10:50 a.m., and again on Tuesday, Dec. 22 , at 7 p.m., the Madison United Methodist Church will host their annual Christmas Cantata. The blessed story of Christmas is told through song and narration.

If you have a special holiday memory you would like to share in our 2009 holiday issue, please send your correspondence to : Editor, Coal Valley News, 350 Main Street, Madison, W.Va. 25130

Also, if you or an organization you know has a holiday event planned this year, drop us a note at the address above.