Some email providers trim longer messages — click “View as Webpage” below to be sure you get the entire message. | | Shades of Ireland Trip Meeting Recap | |
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The Chamber hosted an informational meeting last night for the upcoming Shades of Ireland group tour with Collette Travel and Orange Grove Travel Agency, and it was a great evening! We had 15 in attendance, with 23 others who couldn’t make it but asked for more details about the trip and 2 have signed up!
Matthew O’Shaughnessey with Orange Grove Travel is following up with everyone who requested information and is available to help anyone ready to reserve their spot.
One of the fun details we learned during the meeting is just how easy Collette makes travel. They even handle your luggage for you—simply leave your bag outside your hotel room door, and it’s loaded onto the coach and delivered right to your room at the next destination. We also learned that this trip is by far Collette's most popular trip.
It’s clear this will be a premium travel experience designed to take the stress out of seeing the world. Guests enjoyed Guinness Chocolate Stout Cupcakes with Irish Cream Frosting from Mama Moo’s Cake-A-Roos, along with coffee and water as we discussed all the exciting details.
A portion of the proceeds from this trip will go toward local student scholarships and community projects through the Paulding Chamber Foundation—making this an unforgettable adventure with a meaningful local impact.
☘️ Shades of Ireland Tour | June 19–28, 2026
For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Matthew O’Shaughnessey with Orange Grove Travel Agency at 260-418-8422 or go to Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce - Travel with the Chamber
| | | | Relay for Life Chocolate Walk Recap | |
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A Sweet Night for a Great Cause
The third annual Paulding County Chocolate Walk was another wonderful success — and such a fun night for our community!
This year, 25 local businesses joined in, handing out chocolate treats and welcoming visitors to explore our downtown.
Each stop brought smiles, laughter, and (of course) plenty of sweets. The feedback from participants, vendors, and visitors has been fantastic. Together, we helped raise over $1,000 for the Paulding County Relay for Life. That’s incredible!
Thank you to every business that participated, everyone who bought tickets, shared treats, or volunteered behind the scenes — your efforts made this event truly shine.
Relay for Life hopes to keep this tradition going and growing for years to come. Stay tuned for more community fun, including upcoming holiday events, the VFW Pizza Party in January, and the Relay Kickoff in February.
💜 Thank you to everyone who made this sweet night possible — we can’t wait to do it again next year!
| | | | United Way's Family Trivia Night Recap | |
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The United Way of Paulding County Family Trivia Night was a fun and spirited evening for everyone involved! Thirteen teams competed for the top prize — a $500 Visa Gift Card — and after several close rounds, Hatch & Co. (Jim, Sam, and Nicholas Hatcher) claimed the win.
A special thank-you goes out to Evelyn Lyons (pictured to the left), a freshman at Wayne Trace High School, who served as the event’s Master of Ceremonies. Evelyn volunteered her time to help earn her community service seal and did an outstanding job moderating the event for two full hours. It’s always inspiring to see our local youth stepping up to serve their community.
United Way extends heartfelt appreciation to their sponsors whose generosity made the event possible:
- Diamond Sponsor: First Financial Bank
- Platinum Sponsor: Paulding Care Community
- Gold Sponsors: Midwest Community Federal Credit Union, Ovation Insurance, and Meijer
- Bronze Sponsor: Antwerp Exchange Bank
The event raised just over $3,000, which will go toward Community Impact Grants directly benefiting Paulding County residents.
What a wonderful example of community spirit, teamwork, and local support coming together to make a difference!
First Financial Bank's Trivia Team is pictured below.
| | | | Solid Ground "Spruces" up Herb Monroe Community Park | | |
Thank you, Solid Ground Landscaping, for helping to keep Herb Monroe Park looking fresh!
We're looking forward to seeing the Christmas lights soon.
| | The Chamber picked up some free pumpkins and gourds thanks to Weller Farms in Oakwood to help give Herb Monroe Park a festive touch before the Christmas Lights go up. We hope you'll go enjoy the fall colors at the park. | | FEATURED BUSINESSES OF THE WEEK | | Kircher's Flowers & Garden Center | | |
Rooted in Heritage, Growing with Heart
For more than a century, Kircher’s Flowers & Garden Center has been helping northwest Ohio celebrate life’s moments with care and creativity. Founded in 1908, the business is now owned by Keith and Julie Belau, who grow nearly 75% of their flowers in over 40,000 square feet of greenhouses in Defiance. Their family’s connection to Paulding County continues through Belau Farms in Oakwood, keeping those local roots close to home.
This fall, Kircher’s launched the Pedal It Forward kindness initiative — a simple but powerful idea that invited people to give flowers and share a little joy with others. The Chamber was proud to partner with Kircher’s on this project, which truly brightened everyone’s day and reminded us how far a small act of kindness can travel. The team already has plans to grow the program even more next year! Pictured here is Kaila Green-Uys on the left and Keylei Young of Fuel Good on the right.
We’re grateful for Kaila Green-Uys, who represents Kircher’s locally, serves on the Chamber Board of Directors, and continues to share her energy and positivity throughout the community. Kircher’s doesn’t just grow flowers — they help our communities bloom.
Kircher’s Flowers & Garden Center
1119 Jefferson Ave
Defiance, OH 43512
419-784-5321
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Paulding Area Chamber of Commerce
Holiday Decorating Contest
Sign-up by November 10
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Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Hidn Treasures (New Location)
November 21, 2025
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Join us in welcoming Hidn Treasures LLC to their new location in downtown Paulding! Owners Heather and Mike Sherburn have created a one-of-a-kind shopping experience that brings together a wide variety of local artisans and small business vendors — all under one roof.
Inside, you’ll find an ever-changing mix of handcrafted items, including woodworking, custom cutting boards, local honey, handmade soaps, baked goods, and unique art pieces from area makers. Every visit is a chance to discover something new — true “hidn treasures” you won’t find anywhere else.
Stop in to congratulate Heather and Mike, explore the shop’s new location, and support a business that helps local creators share their work with the community.
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Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
C & C Treasures Grand Opening
November 22, 2025
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It’s always exciting to see local dreams take shape — and that’s exactly what’s happening for Casey and Claude Partain, owners of C & C Treasures!
What began three years ago as a small passion project has now grown into a full-fledged business, and their long-held dream of opening a brick-and-mortar antique shop is officially coming true.
C & C Treasures will offer a little bit of everything — vintage and antique finds, repurposed treasures, and handmade goods from local creators. Their eye for unique pieces and commitment to quality decor have built them a loyal following online, and now the community can enjoy browsing their curated collection in person.
Join us for their Grand Opening on Saturday, November 22, 2025, with a Ribbon Cutting at 8:30 AM, just in time for Shop the Village festivities!
Congratulations to Casey and Claude on this exciting new chapter — and thank you for bringing another one-of-a-kind shopping experience to Paulding County!
| | CHAMBER MEMBER NEWS & EVENTS | |
Northwest State Community College
Train With CTS
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Ohio TechCred:
Invest in Your Team — and Get Reimbursed
The latest round of Ohio TechCred is now open, giving businesses the opportunity to be reimbursed up to $2,000 per employee for completing short-term, industry-recognized training programs. Employers can earn up to $30,000 per round, and with six rounds each year, that’s as much as $180,000 in available funding per business.
It’s one of the easiest and most impactful ways to invest in your workforce — using state funds your business already helps support. In short, it’s free money to help you build a stronger, more skilled team.
Custom Training Solutions (CTS), a division of Northwest State Community College, is Ohio’s largest TechCred training provider. CTS offers on-site, hands-on, and online programs that can be customized to meet your company’s specific needs — from Advanced PLCs for maintenance teams to Microsoft Excel training for your office staff.
For more information, contact:
Joe Wendell
Workforce Sales Coordinator, Custom Training Solutions
(419) 699-3126 | jwendell@northweststate.edu
Click here to view the CTS Course Catalog
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Countywide Snapshot
What’s Coming Up
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Ongoing
- Caring & Sharing Food Pantry – Wednesdays & Saturdays, 9 AM–12 PM
- Heier Threads / Wayne Trace Athletic Boosters Christmas Sale – Oct. 31–Dec. 20
- Paulding County Health Department Food Drive – Nov. 1–30, Drop off non-perishables at 800 E. Perry St., Paulding
- Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative Donation Drives – Shoe Drive (through Dec. 5), Veterans Drive (Nov. 11)
November 8
- Antwerp Lifewise Academy Fall Fest – 11 AM–2 PM
- Paulding County Senior Center Pancake & Sausage Breakfast Fundraiser – 8–10 AM, 401 E. Jackson St., Paulding
- Reclaimed Living Open House – 11 AM–2 PM, 14133 State Route 613, Paulding
- Schooley’s Diner Fundraiser for Stephen Shaw – 4–9 PM, 19492 State Route 637, Defiance
- Payne Branch Library Book Signing with Author Rich Phelan – 11 AM–12 PM
November 10
- Paulding County Senior Center Veterans Day Luncheon – 11:30 AM, 401 E. Jackson St., Paulding
November 13
- CHP Home Care & Hospice Beacon of Hope Dinner & Charity Auction – Paulding County Fairgrounds, Social Hour 5:30 PM, Dinner 6:15 PM
November 14–22
Paulding County History Museum Festival of Trees “Sparkle & Shine” – 600 Fairground Dr., Paulding. Free Admission, Donations Appreciated
- Nov. 14 (4–8 PM): Spaghetti Dinner 5–7 PM (served by Chamber), Music by Columbia Rose 7:15 PM
- Nov. 15 (10 AM–8 PM, Kids’ Day): Santa 10 AM, Lunch 11 AM–1 PM, Supper 5–7 PM
- Nov. 16 (11 AM–4 PM): Brunch 11 AM–1:30 PM, Music 2 PM (Second Street Strings)
- Nov. 17 (4–8 PM): Supper 5–7 PM (Turkey Tetrazzini, First Presbyterian Church Women)
- Nov. 18 (10 AM–8 PM): Paulding HS Jazz Band 4 PM, Supper 5–7 PM (Baked Pasta, Friends of the Parks)
- Nov. 19 (4–8 PM): Supper 5–7 PM (Baked Ziti, Senior Center), Music 7 PM (St. Paul Bell Choir)
- Nov. 20 (4–8 PM): Supper 5–7 PM (Soup & Chili), Wayne Trace Band & Choir 5–6 PM, Antwerp Band 7–8 PM
- Nov. 21 (4–8 PM): Hot Cocoa Bar, Dessert Bar 5–7 PM, Caroling Sing-Along 6:30 PM
- Nov. 22 (10 AM–4 PM): Part of Shop the Village, Hot Cocoa 10 AM–2 PM, Walking Tacos 11 AM–1 PM, Silent Auction & OSU Raffle 2 PM
November 14
- Paulding County Hospital Foundation BBQ Chicken Luncheon
November 15
- Caring & Sharing Food Pantry Siberian Solstice Fundraiser Concert – Paulding Schools Auditorium, 405 N. Water St. Doors 6 PM, Show 7–9 PM
November 17
- Payne Branch Library Make-Your-Own Holiday Room Spray Workshop – 6 PM
November 18
- Paulding County Economic Development Annual Business Appreciation Banquet
November 20–22
- Milan Center Feed & Grain Holiday Open House – 15402 Doty Rd., New Haven, IN
- Nov. 20: Ladies’ Night 4:30–9 PM
- Nov. 22: Pictures with Mr. & Mrs. Claus and a mini highland cow cross, Free Hot Chocolate Bar
November 21
- Ribbon Cutting: Hidn Treasures LLC (New Location) – 100 E. Jackson St., Paulding, 10:30 AM
- Festival of Trees – Hot Cocoa & Dessert Bar 5–7 PM, Caroling Sing-Along 6:30 PM
November 22
- Krazy Krafters & Friends Holiday Sale – 210 S. Main St., Antwerp, 9 AM–2 PM
- Shop the Village – Downtown Paulding, 9 AM–3 PM
- Youth Business Showcase – Paulding County Economic Development
- Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening: C & C Treasures – 110 W. Perry St., Paulding, 8:30 AM
- Festival of Trees Final Day – Hot Cocoa 10 AM–2 PM, Walking Tacos 11 AM–1 PM, Silent Auction & OSU Raffle 2 PM
November 23
- Blippi: Join the Band Tour – Niswonger Performing Arts Center, Van Wert. Doors 1 PM, Show 2 PM
November 25
- CoRP Merry & Bright Parade Sign-Up Deadline
November 29
- Krazy Krafters & Friends Holiday Sale – 210 S. Main St., Antwerp, 9 AM–2 PM
December 1
- CoRP Merry & Bright Christmas Parade – Lineup 5 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Parade starts 6 PM
December 5–6
- Christmas in the Village – 211 S. Main St., Antwerp, 5–7:30 PM
- Children’s Playplace & Lights Pathway, Outdoor Marketplace, Santa Visits, Holiday Face Painting, Storytime & Craft, Pony Rides, Live Music, Family Photos ($10), and A Christmas Story: The Play (Saturday, 7:30 PM)
December 6
- Krazy Krafters & Friends Holiday Sale – 210 S. Main St., Antwerp, 9 AM–?
December 6, 7, 12 & 14
- CCBanks Productions – A Christmas Story: The Play
December 12
- Paulding County Firefighters Association Country Christmas Concert – Paulding Schools Auditorium, Doors 6:30 PM, Show 7 PM
December 18–20
- Ignite Dance Academy – The Nutcracker (Cast A: Dec. 18 & Dec. 20 Matinee | Cast B: Dec. 19 & Dec. 20 Evening)
December 20
- Shades of Ireland Trip – Last Day to Save $200 per person
January 30, 2026
- Lorrie Morgan with Jamie O’Neal – Niswonger Performing Arts Center, Van Wert, 7:30 PM
April 9, 2026
- Paulding County Economic Development Career Day
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Paulding Putnam Electric & Internet
Donation Drives
Shoe Drive – Now through December 5
Veterans Day Drive – Tuesday, Nov. 11
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This fall, Paulding Putnam is giving back through two special community donation drives!
Shoe Drive – Now through December 5
We’re collecting brand-new shoes and socks in all sizes to help local families in need. Donations will go directly to schools, shelters, and community organizations in our service territory.
Veterans Day Drive – Tuesday, Nov. 11
We’ll honor those who served by collecting essential toiletry items (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.) for Clothes for Joes, a nonprofit supporting veterans across Northeast Indiana and Northwest Ohio.
401 McDonald Pike, Paulding, OH
Mon–Fri, 7:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Together, we can make a difference for families and veterans in our communities!
Learn more: https://bit.ly/3WhHwhf
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Paulding County Senior Center
Pancake and Sausage Breakfast Fundraiser
November 8, 2025
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Paulding County Carnegie Library
Payne Branch Book Signing
November 8, 2025
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Paulding County Senior Center
Veterans Day Luncheon
November 10, 2025
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Community Health Professionals
Beacon of Hope Dinner & Charity Auction
November 13, 2025
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CHP Home Care & Hospice – Beacon of Hope Dinner & Charity Auction
For 50 years, CHP Home Care & Hospice of Paulding has been the trusted local hospice provider. Join us for our annual Beacon of Hope for Hospice Dinner & Charity Auction on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at the Paulding County Fairgrounds, 503 Fairground Dr., Paulding.
The evening includes a catered dinner (RSVP required), live and silent auctions, raffles, and more—all benefiting CHP’s patient care fund for Paulding County. Social hour begins at 5:30 PM, dinner at 6:15 PM, with a live auction to follow. Kenny Thomas, Auctioneer, and Joe Barker, Emcee. Catering by Streetlight.
How you can help:
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Donate raffle baskets, merchandise, gift certificates, or services by Nov. 7.
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Attend! Seats are complimentary, but RSVP is required. Reserve your spot by calling 419-399-4708 or online at www.comhealthpro.org/events by Nov. 7.
At CHP, no patient is ever turned away due to inability to pay. Your support ensures compassionate end-of-life care for every Paulding County neighbor in need.
Contact: Alycen Urban, Event Coordinator – 419-238-9223 ext. 1118 | alycen_urban@comhealthpro.org
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Paulding County Hospital Foundation
BBQ Chicken Luncheon
November 14, 2025
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Paulding County History Museum
2025 Festival of Trees
November 14-22, 2025
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Paulding County History Museum: “Sparkle & Shine” Festival of Trees
The Paulding County History Museum is getting ready to “Sparkle & Shine” with its biggest event of the year — the annual Festival of Trees, running Friday, Nov. 14 – Saturday, Nov. 22.
Location: 600 Fairground Drive, Paulding (across from the fairgrounds)
Admission: Free (donations appreciated)
Event Highlights
- Explore nearly 30,000 sq. ft. of decorated trees, displays, and lights across three buildings.
- Enjoy daily entertainment, meals by donation, and festive surprises for all ages.
- Visit the Country Store, photo booth, and Memory Tree, join the Mouse Hunt, and vote for your favorite tree.
- Don’t miss Barn 1 and Barn 2, filled with lights, Nativity scenes, inflatables, and a dozen model train layouts.
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Paulding County Carnegie Library
Payne Branch Make-Your-Own Room Spray
November 17, 2025
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Milan Center Feed & Grain, Inc.
Holiday Open House
November 20 - 22, 2025
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Shop the Village
Downtown Paulding
November 22, 2025
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Paulding County Economic Development
Youth Business Showcase
November 22, 2025
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Van Wert LIVE
Blippi: Join the Band Tour
November 23, 2026
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C'mon and join Blippi to make music in your hometown in the brand new live Blippi: Join the Band Tour!
Doors Open - 1:00 PM
Event Starts - 2:00 PM
Venue - Niswonger Performing Arts Center
Blippi will be joined onstage by Meekah, their singing and dancing buddies and LIVE musicians to explore what makes music, including sounds, rhythms and instruments, through all your favorite Blippi hits. So grab your drumsticks, tune up your guitar, and move those feet with Blippi and get ready for a musical performance that's fun for the whole family!
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Community Revitalizing Paulding
Merry & Bright Christmas Parade Sign-Up Deadline
November 25, 2025
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Heier Threads
Wayne Trace Athletic Boosters Christmas Sale
October 31 - December 20, 2025
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Travel with the Chamber: Shades of Ireland
LAST DAY TO SAVE $200/Person: December 20, 2025
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Van Wert LIVE
Lorrie Morgan with Special Guest Jamie O’Neal
January 30, 2026
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Van Wert LIVE is thrilled to announce that country music legend Lorrie Morgan will perform at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 7:30 PM, joined by platinum-selling artist Jamie O’Neal for their first-ever appearance at the venue.
With hits like “There Is No Arizona” and “Five Minutes,” this unforgettable evening blends timeless classics with contemporary country favorites.
Tickets are available now to members and go on sale to the public Friday, October 31. Learn more or get tickets anytime at vanwertlive.com.
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Paulding County Economic Development
Career Day Event
April 9, 2026
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Paulding County Health Department
Food Drive
November 1-30, 2025
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Help the Paulding County Health Department Fight Local Hunger
The Paulding County Health Department has heard far too many stories lately from families right here in our community who are struggling with food insecurity. In response, the department is organizing a county-wide food drive to support our local pantry and help ensure no neighbor goes without.
They’re asking the local business community—the backbone of Paulding County—to join in this effort.
Businesses can get involved in several ways:
- Host a Food Drive: Collect non-perishable food items from your employees. Flyers and materials can be provided.
- Make a Corporate Donation: Contribute financially or donate goods directly to the local pantry to help restock shelves.
- Spread the Word: Share information about the food drive with your customers, clients, and social networks.
By partnering with the Health Department, your business will be recognized as a Community Health Champion, supporting families across Paulding County.
If your business would like to participate or learn more, contact the Paulding County Health Department at pchd@pcohhd.com or call 419-399-3921.
Together, we can make a real difference for local families this season.
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Reclaimed Living
Open House
November 8, 2025
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Antwerp Lifewise Academy
Fall Festival
November 8, 2025
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Schooley's Diner
Stephen Shaw Fundraiser
November 8, 2025
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Caring & Sharing Food Pantry
Siberian Solstice Concert Fundraiser
November 15, 2025
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Siberian Solstice Concert to Benefit Caring & Sharing Food Pantry
The Caring & Sharing Food Pantry is hosting a holiday fundraising concert featuring Siberian Solstice — a Trans-Siberian Orchestra–style band — on Saturday, November 15 at 7 p.m. at Paulding Exempted Village Schools (405 N. Water St.). Doors open at 6 p.m., and admission is by freewill donation.
A silent auction with 15+ artist-made and high-end items will also take place before the show and during intermission, with proceeds supporting Blessings in a Bag, which provides weekend meals for more than 150 local elementary students.
Funds raised from this event will help the Caring & Sharing Food Pantry continue serving families in need — nearly 9,300 people this year alone.
Mark your calendar! Enjoy an incredible evening of holiday music and community giving.
More info: siberiansolstice.com | facebook.com/caringsharingfoodpantry
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Paulding County FCS
Holiday Kitchen Series
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Krazy Krafters & Friends
Annual Holiday Sale
November 22, 29 and December 6, 2025
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CCBanks Productions
Christmas in the Village
December 5 & 6, 2025
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CCBanks Productions
A Christmas Story: The Play
December 6, 7, 12 & 14, 2025
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Paulding County Firefighters Association
County Christmas Concert
December 12, 2025
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Ignite Dance Academy
The Nutcracker
December 18, 19 & 20, 2025
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