The Week Ahead: Village Operating Budget Public Hearing

Here's a look at what's coming up Thanksgiving week in Menomonee Falls.

Public budget hearing: The Village Board is hosting a public hearing on the proposed 2012 municipal operating budget. The hearing begins at 6:30 p.m., Monday in the board room at . The a $21.7 million tax levy in 2012, which breaks down to a tax rate of $5.21 per $1,000 of assessed value, which is up from $5.17 a year ago. The garbage and recycling fee also increases in 2012 to $100.12, which includes an additional $9.48 state generator fee.

: Find Santa in the area businesses that are on the flyer and figure out what countries they are representing. Entry forms available at participating businesses. Open to anyone 18 and over. One entry per person. Three random winners will be picked from all correctly filled in forms. First pick will win a $100 Village Centre Gift Certificate, 2nd pick will win a $50 Village Center Gift Certificate, and 3rd pick will win a $25 Village Centre Gift Certificate. Winners will be picked by Nov. 30.

Holiday open house: Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the season. Stop in to see what life is like at around the holidays at 2 - 3 p.m. Wednesday. Enjoy freshly baked treats, and take a guided tour.

Holiday parade and Christmas downtown: The annual Holiday Parade begins at Harrison Avenue on Main Street and travels west on Main, continuing south on Appleton Avenue and ending at Arthur Avenue. The parade begins at 4:30 p.m.

The Christmas Tree Lighting will take place at 4 p.m. in Centennial Park at the four corners of Appleton and Main.

Children can visit Santa from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at the Bradley Realty location N88 W16733 Appleton Ave.  hosted by the Mason Lodge 183.  Boy and girl prizes will be given out as well as other goodies.