Local holiday activities, shopping abundant during Christmas kick-off weekend

The holidays are a hectic time for all, as families scramble to purchase the perfect gift for loved ones. This holiday season, residents are reminded to shop local for products before heading out of town to search for gift ideas.

The Christmas Kick-off Weekend begins on Friday, Dec. 5, in Ritzville and many area businesses are teaming up to provide discounts for customers in an effort to support shopping local.

Start Up Adams County is on ongoing project helping promote local businesses and help build entrepreneurial companies. The City of Ritzville has teamed up with the Ritzville Area Chamber of Commerce to help promote the project, and a large variety of businesses have joined in an effort to build up the local economy.

A list of businesses and coupons available for Christmas Kick-off weekend can be found on Page 12.

The weekend’s activities begin on Friday afternoon with the Paws for Claus event at the Ritzville Drug Company. Animal owners can bring their pets for a keepsake holiday photo from 4-6 p.m. at the downtown business.

The annual Christmas at the Clock ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. when Mayor Linda Kadlec illuminates the city tree, followed by the singing of Christmas carols. After the tree lighting, residents are encouraged to visit the downtown businesses staying open late to provide promotional deals and provide a warm holiday atmosphere to all of their customers.

Those in attendance are also welcome to stop by the Chamber office for coffee, hot chocolate, homemade spiced cider and cookies.

The special offers and holiday coupons provided by area businesses spans through Saturday, and those unable to attend the Friday night festivities are encouraged to shop around town on Saturday, as even more holiday shopping opportunities are available.

Saturday also provides a unique holiday shopping experience with the return of the 41st Annual Holiday Bazaar at the Ritzville Grade School. The admission-free event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is sponsored by the Ritzville branch of American Association of University Women (AAUW).

At the holiday bazaar, shoppers can browse through the nearly 30 booths for shopping ideas and purchase exceptional gifts. The majority of vendors at the event are entrepreneurs, or area business owners displaying their products.

Santa Clause is also going to be available for photos up on the main stage, and parents are encouraged to bring a camera if they would like photos.

For those individuals looking to purchase their Christmas tree locally, the Ritzville Festivals Association is hosting a Christmas Tree sale beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the festival’s building on Railroad Avenue. The Festival’s Association is also having a booth at the Holiday Bazaar and will be selling wreaths and other holiday products.

Children are encouraged to participate in the Christmas Kick-off weekend by attending the free children’s movie matinee on Saturday. The film being shown at the Ritz Theatre is Polar Express and doors open at 1:15 p.m. with the movie starting at 2 p.m. The Ritzville Fire Department will deliver Santa to the theatre after the movie, at about 3:45 p.m., where children will receive free treats.

Scottie’s Sports Card shop is also planning a case break and ribbon cutting ceremony from 4-6 p.m. Saturday.

For more information about this weekend’s events, contact the Chamber at 659-1936.