From history to homes and Santa, weekend features plenty of holiday events

Announcements made during the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Coffee Thursday morning included holiday events this weekend, the recent promotion of two city employees and an upcoming fundraiser by the Fort Scott Kiwanis Club.

Fort Scott National Historic Site Superintendent Betty Boyko said only a few tickets remain for the 31st annual Candlelight Tour, scheduled to take place tonight and Saturday evening at the historic site. Boyko said this year's event "could sell out."

City Manager Dave Martin mentioned the Christmas in the Park event set for 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday in Gunn Park, an occasion that he said should be ideal for families. Martin also talked about a planned visit by Jase Robertson, of "Duck Dynasty" and Duck Commander fame, to Fort Scott on Sunday.

Martin said the first 1,200 people who arrive will be admitted. The free event, scheduled to start at 7 p.m. at Memorial Hall, is first come, first served. Robertson's appearance is hosted by Adam and Jennifer LaRoche and Fort Scott Nazarene Church.

Martin also mentioned two promotions of city employees announced this week. Economic Development Recruitment and Retention Manager Macy Cullison has been promoted to director of economic development and Fort Scott Police Department Lt. Travis Shelton has been moved up to interim police chief.

The police chief position has been vacant since the resignation of former chief Ron Puterbaugh in July. Martin has said he is pleased with how the department has been running recently and he does not plan to look outside for a new chief.

Bob Eckles of the Fort Scott Kiwanis Club reminded attendees that the club's 91st annual Pancake Feed will be held from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, at the Scottish Rite Temple. It is the club's biggest fundraiser of the year. Proceeds benefit youth-related programs and organizations in the community.

Kiwanian Robert Nelson said the club meets at noon every Tuesday at Fort Scott Community College and is open to anyone looking to join.

Barbara Albright announced that ads can now be placed in the upcoming chamber directory. FSACC Executive Director Lindsay Madison said she is looking for ideas from the community for the directory. Madison also said the chamber is also looking for new members.

Albright said the chamber website, www.fortscott.com, is a popular source of information for community events.

Other holiday-related events Albright mentioned included the Dolly HollyDay tours, which run Dec. 13-22; Home for the Holidays tours and Stocking Stuffer Craft Show at Fort Scott Middle School on Saturday and Sunday; and the Kansas Rocks Recreation Park and Brush Beater Jeep Club Wheelin' 4 Toys event on Saturday at the park in Mapleton.