The fifth annual Christmas in Cassopolis will be Dec. 5 at the Log Cabin Museum.

The community festival will feature day-long events at various sites culminating with the tree-lighting at 7 p.m.

“The past few years Cynthia Jackson-Ash has been leading the charge on the tree lighting ceremony, and though she has had lots of help, it’s still a lot of work to organize this event while working a full-time job and having a life,” Main Street President Ben Anderson said. “Anyone that has been there knows it’s much more than just turning on Christmas lights and drinking hot cocoa. Even though we are losing the experienced leadership of Cynthia, we are fortunate to have been handed an event that is already established and is well known as a successful annual event. We are excited as a committee for this event and we are looking forward to it.

“It is important for the Main Street Committee to work with Cynthia on this event; she has done a great job of growing it and we want to support her effort because it coincides with our mission. Another reason to have this event become a Main Street Committee organized event is to provide some continuity to an event that benefits the community.

“The Main Street Committee members are completely volunteer based so some members may leave, but as long as the Christmas Tree Lighting is on the list of events, it will more than likely endure for as long as the committee exists.”

Festivities begin at 9 a.m. with the Community Christmas Bazaar at Sam Adams Elementary. The bazaar will be open until 3 p.m.

There will be crafts and homemade items for sale, as well as food.

Among the vendors will be Bedazzled by Mellody, Pink Zebra, Plexus, It Works, Herbalife, Cardio Drumming, Tupperware, Younique, Origami Owl, Snap Jewelry, Avon, Scentsy, Mary Kay, Thirty-One and Little Darlings Creations.

Lunch will also be served with all proceeds to benefit the sixth grade class at Sam Adams.

The Cassopolis-Vandalia Chamber of Commerce will host its 11th annual Community Christmas Celebration at the VFW. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the event includes lunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus, caroling and gifts for every child.

Events at the Log Cabin Museum will commence at 5:30 p.m. and will include a horse-drawn wagon for carolers, hot chocolate and either donuts or cookies and music.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be on hand to greet the children.

The Central Cass Fire Department will once again man the open fires to help keep those in attendance warm.

The Main Street Committee is also looking at having local church choirs perform during the event. Anyone interested in participating should contact David Johnson at (317) 223-8947 or by email at djvocgtrustee@gmail.com.

The Cassopolis-Vandalia Chamber of Commerce is once again hosting its Holiday House Decorating Contest.

Anyone living within the village limits is welcome to decorate their home and enter the contest.

First place will receive $100, second place $75 and third place $50 from the chamber.

To be eligible, residents must register at the village hall. There is no cost to enter the contest and deadline to enter is Friday, Dec. 4.

Judging will take place Dec. 5 with the winners to be announced at the Dec. 14 village council meeting.

Helping Hands is hosting its second annual fish dinner fundraiser from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the VFW. Tickets are $8 per person and include one meal and drink.

The menu features blue gill, bread, coleslaw, beverages and a delicious assortment of desserts.  The food pantry had a record 708 food baskets in 2014. Advance tickets are available at Helping Hands Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or you can call 445-8104 for more details.

The Main Street Committee will meet in the village council chambers at 5 p.m. Monday to continue discussing plans for Christmas in Cassopolis.