Saturday, February 9 at 6:30 p.m. the 19th Annual Chocloate Lovers celebration begins.  Arrive at the Swedish Country Inn on West Lincoln to receive a palette for “Painting the Town.”   Each downtown destination is a different   color on the palette and has a unique chocolate dessert.  There will be live music, demonstrations and lots of chocolate.  At 8:30 p.m. at the Swedish Crown Restaurant the annual art auction begins.  All proceeds are towards two $1,500 scholarships for local high school aged, college bound students who have demonstrated jgreat promise in an artistic field.   When the palette is filled, the person is elgible to participate in the Grand Valentine giveaway with a night’s stay at Seasons of the Fox B and B, dinner for two at the Swedish Crown, a bouquet of roses and a gift certificate for Lindsborg businesses.   Admission is $15.00 per person.

VALENTINE TREATS . . . The Lindsborg Business Community wants you to enjoy Valentine treats and activities at participating businesses on
Saturday, February 2 from 10:009 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.    Hear love ballads, have your blood pressure checked and have your photo taken on an antique Victorian sofa at Sarahendipity.

At 7:30 p.m. a “Night of Stars” talent show will begin at the Smoky Valley High auditorium.  A donation of $8.00 is suggested for the fundraiser for the annual Midsummer’s Festival.

On Feburary 9th, the annual Chocolate Lovers festival and art auction will begin at 6:30 p.m. in downtown Lindsborg to support the Linbdsborg Arts Council scholarships.  Stay tuned for more information.

January 2 and 12 - Elk Days at Maxwell kick-off with viewing of the elk and their magnificient “racks” also known as antlers.    Tour begins at 10:00 a.m. each day followed by a free will donation for sloppy joes, chili and cobbler.    Tour admission is $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for children less than 12.  Reservations are a must.  Contact 620.628.4455 for information and reservations.   The web site is www.cyberkraft.com/maxwell.

January 26 is the day to celebrate Happy Birthday Kansas!!    Tour is at 10:00 a.m.with birthday cake.  Reservations are a must.  Tour admission is $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for children less than 12.  Contact 620.628.4455.

March is the last month to see the elk with their antlers.

April 20 – Earth Day Tour at 10:00 a.m. to celebrate the good earth.  Reservations required.

The 35th annual Holiday Open House at Olive Springs Schoolhouse Gallery will be Saturday, December 1, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, December 2,  1 - 4 p.m.   Olive Springs schoolhouse, built in 1885,  was District #2 in  McPherson County and is the oldest schoolhouse in the county on its original location.   It now serves as an art gallery to display paintings by Maleta Forsberg, along with memorabilia of the country school era.  The schoolhouse is located 3 miles west of Roxbury on the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway, or Exit #72 on I – 135 and east on Smoky Valley Road to 24th Avenue.  The public is welcome.

December 1 – Downtown on Saturday evening is the annual Marquette Christmas Parade and Lighting Ceremony.  Other Christmas activities will occur in the afternoon.

December 5 will be the Annual Swedish Supper at the Elim Lutheran Church, 403 N. Lincoln in Marquette.  Dinner is served from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. with a donation requested.

November 16, 17 and 18 Marquette hosts its Annual Melodrama and Olio – “Wedded to a Villain.”   Tickets are $12.00 and may be obtained from the Marquette State Bank – 785. 546.2292.  Times are Friday andf Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday.

November 14 . . .Maxwell Wildlife Refuge is holding its annual Buffalo Auction.  Please call the Friends of Maxwell at 620.628.4455 for further information.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10, the merchants of Lindsborg present their 2012 Holiday Open House  from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  The theme is “Dressed in Holiday Style” with special offers, refreshments and live music.   Drawings for gift certificates to be awarded to some lucky shoppers.

More information for those of you interested in doing  “THE HILL” on Saturday, September 8 . . .contact Stuart and Joyce Tolle at 785.254.7355.