EPHRATA — Ephrata residents can sing Christmas carols and snack on healthy treats at Ephrata Medical Center’s Christmas open house Thursday.

“This is a way for us to get people in the Christmas spirit and say thank you to our community and patients,” said business manager Cindi Harr.

Almost the entire staff is coming to the open house to talk to residents.

“This is a way for people to get to know our providers outside of the exam room,” Harr said. “Our whole clinic staff members are invited to come and meet and greet.”

The open house is from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the center, located at 508 W. Division Ave.

“We will be singing some old fashioned Christmas favorites together,” Harr said. “This will be a causal, fun time.”

The main staple of the event is the provision and promotion of healthy holiday foods.

“The doctors are really big on nutrition, of course, so we have lots of low fat and sugar free snacks,” Harr said.

There is a fruit and vegetable tray, apple cider and a baked goodie brought in from each staff member.

“This lets our community know that there are alternative treats out there that don’t have to be bad for you,” Harr said. “They are healthy, but still yummy.”

This is the second year the center held an open house.

“We’ve always done something in the past around Christmas time for our patients and community,” Harr said.

In years past, clinic staff caroled from house-to-house providing treats.

“We would go out caroling and take ornaments or treats like baked breads to our patients that can not get out and enjoy Christmas themselves,” Harr said.

The center staff are considering caroling again this year.

“We are thinking of going to a nursing home in Soap Lake and spending the evening there singing and handing out treats,” Harr said. “We are thinking of doing it the Wednesday before Christmas, but there is no definite date or time yet.”

Harr said everyone is invited to attend the open house.

“We send out special invitations for it to our patients and businesses in town that support us,” she said. “But everyone is encouraged to come and meet our providers.”

For more information, call 509-754-3563.