Christmas for the City is a celebration for everyone!

By Judie Holcomb-Pack You’re invited to a Christmas party!  Christmas for the City, a collaboration of local churches, businesses, nonprofits, and members of the arts community, has been throwing a party for the community for the past 16 years. Attendees to the free party can enjoy live music and arts performances, original work by local artists, a make-your-own toy workshop, light refreshments and, of course, a visit with Santa Claus.  This Saturday, Dec. 21, from 1-6 p.m., the community is invited to the Benton Convention Center for an afternoon to celebrate Christmas, connect and engage with the various vendors and others in the community, and share in this memorable experience of faith, hope and love. Complimentary beverages and light snacks will be provided in the Main Stage area.  Over the last 16 years, Christmas for the City (CFTC) has been championed by leaders across the city, from different denominational, economic, and vocational backgrounds. Chuck Spong, ex-officio producer, is one of the founders who envisioned the idea of a citywide Christmas celebration and helped to bring it to fruition. Spong has been a vital part of the celebration from the beginning.  According to the CFTC website, “ … a small group...