Santa Claus books busy tour with five county stops

Kris Kringle, the jolly old elf in the red suit, has booked a whirlwind tour of Whitman County Saturday, with stops set in Endicott, Garfield, Rosalia and St. John.

The Saturday events follow the Colfax lighted Christmas parade scheduled tonight, Thursday, on Mill Street, starting at 6 p.m. Fireworks will follow.

A full slate of events is scheduled at the library.

Santa Claus Saturday will make dual 11 a.m. stops in Rosalia and St. John for their festivals.

At St. John’s annual Winterfest, he will lend his ear to wishful youth and pose for complimentary pictures inside the Denton Library. Bingo and live music will accompany Saint Nick’s visit. In Rosalia, Santa will listen to youngsters inside Pittmann’s Town and Country.

Businesses in Rosalia and St. John will be open with specials on Christmas gifts throughout the day.

Rosalia’s Winter Festival starts Friday, with area boy and girl scouts caroling downtown at 3 p.m. before decorating and lighting the Christmas Tree in the town courtyard.

Saturday starts early with a Lion’s Club breakfast inside the Methodist Church. Breakfast begins at 8 a.m. on a donation basis with all proceeds being donated to the town food bank.

A Holiday Market Craft Fair will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Community Center with vendors selling winter foods, crafts and Christmas presents.

Area authors will sign books at Pat’s Books, and events are planned at Smith’s Country Store and at the Pine Creek Village.

A Christmas carol sing-a-long will be in the Performing Arts Center during the afternoon, and the Rosalia Association for Community Enrichment will host an adult dance in the community center Saturday night.

St. John features a Poker Walk, where visitors can pick up cards at each business. The winning hand receives $100. Several businesses will also display their craftiness on specially decorated Christmas wreaths. Visitors can stop into the Community Current office on Front Street to vote for their favorite entry.

The annual electric light parade caps Saturday’s fun in St. John and begins at 5 p.m. sharp. The Community Club will blow off fireworks over downtown immediately following the parade.

Sunday night’s Winterfest dinner and silent auction will be in the Community Building at 5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at Empire Foods or Maggie Lynn’s with proceeds from the dinner and auction going toward upkeep of the Community Building.

The Star Light Holiday Parade - the crowning event of Garfield’s Christmas in the Country - will begin its walk at dusk Saturday night. The parade, a long-time event for this town will finish off an afternoon of newer events for the festival.

The choir of the Garfield Methodist Church strikes up the day with a rousing “Holiday Festival of Music” at 3 p.m. at the church. After the choir finishes, a one-horse open sleigh will be stationed in town and visitors of the sleigh have an opportunity for pictures with Santa.

A soup bar at Smokin’ Papas will be open, as well as a bake sale, craft booths and games for children. All are invited to gather around the town Christmas tree for some caroling after the parade.

Santa makes his final stop in Endicott Saturday night, where he will be accompanied at 5 p.m. by the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree, caroling, hot cocoa and treats. Endicott’s night will also end with a blast as fireworks will explode over town following the festivities.