Each year’s holiday season brings numerous opportunities to have fun with family and friends.

The next two weekends provide ample opportunity to get out of the house, see people you know and have a good time while supporting good causes.

On Saturday, Nov. 22, the Spring Creek Volunteer Fire Department hosts a chili cookoff with almost 50 entries.

Baked goods and items you might find at a country store will be on sale, and there will also be a silent auction and music from the Grassy Flat Boys. Proceeds will go toward helping the volunteer firefighters purchase a new brush fire truck. The event will take place between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2682 Highway 253 South, near Seminole State Park.

St. John’s Episcopal Church, located on Broughton Street in Bainbridge, will hold its Christmas Bazaar this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Later on Saturday, The Bainbridge Shrine Club will host a pancake supper from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The Shrine Club is located off U.S. 84 East not far past Bainbridge’s city limits. Proceeds benefit the Shriners’ work to provide free health care for children with certain serious illnesses and disabilities.

On Sunday, Nov. 23, several local civic organizations will have members raising funds during downtown Bainbridge’s Holiday Open House, to take place between 1 to 5 p.m. Stop by and check out the great holiday shopping at downtown merchants. The Kiwanis Club will be selling raffle tickets for a $1,000 pre-paid Visa card, the Pilot Club will be selling poinsettias and the Humane Society will be selling Boston butts.

Then there’s the event everyone is looking forward to: Swine Time, in the little town of Climax off U.S. 84 East, will be held for the 34th time on Saturday, Nov. 29.

A parade at 10 a.m. will kick off a day full of food, games, music, dancing, rides and wares offered by a variety of vendors.

Swine Time, put on by the Climax Community Club and a host of volunteers, raises money for a number of local good causes, including Bainbridge High School Band, Air Force Junior ROTC and Habitat for Humanity.

You don’t have to go far to find a good time. Please consider showing support for your neighbors and their community service by taking part in these events.