Ritzville Winter Fest aims to provide holiday family fun

As the holidays quickly approach, the feeling of nostalgia begins to creep into each of our lives. We begin to watch our favorite holiday movies and long for the simplicity and happiness each of the plots possess.

Residents, business owners and organizations in Ritzville are proud of being able to offer hometown hospitality and holiday festivities, which is part of this year’s Winter Fest event.

The City of Ritzville will serve as the venue for the first Winter Fest event, sponsored by the Ritzville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Amongst the lighted streets filled with holiday decor, visitors will have a variety of family-friendly events to participate in. Winter Fest celebrates annual activities, while providing small town hospitality and holiday excitement for those visiting the community.

The festivities begin with Small Business Saturday on November 24, which also jump starts Shop Local campaigns and Jingle Bell Shop. Shop Local coupons will be published in Nov. 22 edition of The Ritzville Adams County Journal.

As a way to show gratitude for shopping in area businesses, shoppers can turn in receipts from a Ritzville business for an opportunity to earn a prize through Jingle Bell Shop.

The Jingle Bell Shop raffle drawings for the prizes will occur every Friday from November 23 until December 21. Receipts can be turned in for the drawings at Ritzville City Hall and the winners will be contacted by phone after each drawing.

Sensory family-friendly events begin with Christmas at the Carnegie. Visitors can participate in cookie decorating at the Ritzville Public Library beginning at 3:30 p.m. All materials for the decorating are provided free of charge.

After decorating cookies, a favorite small town tradition is carried out with the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree. As the tree lights up the night, caroling begins to continue the festive energy and ignite the holiday spirit. It has been known that a jolly man in red is likely to appear for the event, and pass out candy canes to children young and old.

The Friends of the Library welcome carolers and onlookers to warm up inside the historic Carnegie library with a cup of hot cocoa after the outdoor activities. The organization also provides complementary holiday treats.

The following morning, the local grade school gym hosts a unique holiday shopping experience for those looking for the perfect gift. The annual AAUW Holiday Bazaar provides a variety of handmade and speciality crafted items for those shoppers looking for a one-of-a-kind gift.

The bazaar also features photos with Santa and food available for purchase. Vendor booths range from candy and crafts, to clothing and Christmas decor.

A beloved tradition begins at 2 p.m. on December 1 with the playing for the annual movie matinee for children. The movie is provided at no cost through donations from local businesses and individuals, and doors open at 1:30 p.m.

The historic Ritz Theatre hosts the movie, with popcorn provided for any youngster attending the performance. This year’s featured film is “The Christmas Story”.

After the movie, attendees can rush outside to catch a glimpse of Santa being delivered to the theatre by fire truck, courtesy of the Ritzville Volunteer Firefighters. Santa will hand out goody bags to the children as a pre-holiday treat.

The festivities continue on December 15 as the Ritzville Chamber hosts a gingerbread house contest, followed by hayrides, caroling and smores.

Gingerbread entries can be delivered to the H.E. Gritman Senior Center from 4:30-5:00 p.m. and the judging will begin after all of the entries have been received. Entries must be made of edible materials and will be judged according to three age groups: children 10 and under, children 11-17, and adults.

After perusing the entries for the contest, head down the block to Pioneer Plaza in the heart of downtown Ritzville for hayrides, caroling and smores. The hayrides will travel throughout the downtown area, and carolers are welcome to jump aboard to help spread holiday cheer.

After a round of caroling, visitors are invited to stop by the fire pit in the plaza for smores and an opportunity to warm up. Refreshments will also be available in the Senior Center.

The Chamber and local community members and organizations are excited to welcome visitors to town to have a quintessential holiday experience with the added charm of a small town.

For more information on the event, visit http://www.ritzvillechamber.com or download the Ritzville Insider app.