Those looking for seasonal fun may find just what they’re looking for this afternoon in Russellville from 1:30-7:30 p.m. with the first Christmas at Sloss Lake celebration.

The festivities include food vendors, holiday shopping, Christmas music, a train ride, photo opportunities and inflatables. Around 27 vendors are expected to take part. Plans include five food trucks.

“We’ve wanted to do something for Christmas for several years,” explained Paula McDougle, a member of the band Purpose, “and nothing could ever come together, but this year, with the stage being built at Sloss Lake, we got to talking about it again and things just started coming together. We hope to establish this as a yearly tradition.”

Local talent, including Jessica McSpadden, as well as Justin Richardson and his band, will play from around 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.  

At 4:45 p.m., Christmas songs will be played. Santa Claus will arrive on a firetruck at 5 p.m. After that, Purpose and Clear Vision will perform. A couple of hours later, the event will end with a live nativity.   

“We’re just wanting this to be a fun time to remember that Christmas is a happy time and for people to be encouraged,” McDougle said. “We’re just wanting people to have a good time and come out, but we’re also going to be sharing the story of Jesus.”