Towns hold winter holiday festivals

COLFAX — The annual Colfax Winterfest is this weekend, starting with events on Friday, Dec. 1, through Saturday, Dec. 2.

Downtown Association Director Whitney Bond said that this year’s event is a co-collaboration between the Downtown Association, the Colfax Chamber of Commerce, and the City.

Bond said most of the events will happen on Friday, with activities starting at 4 p.m.

Interim executive Director for the Chamber of Commerce Alexis Pettit said the Parade starts at 6:30 p.m. with the line-up starting at 6 p.m. “There is going to be a fireworks show after,” Pettit said.

Santa will appear at the Colfax Library from 3 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.

After visiting Santa, kids and families can visit The Center from 3 to 5:30 p.m. to participate in activities. Bond said activities will include a Polar Express storytime, and at 6:30 p.m., the Baptist Church, located at 200 North Mill Street, will have a firepit and hot cocoa.

The Eagles invite everyone to get warm and shop during Winterfest, shopping for local vendors and crafts.

Hotdogs, chili, cocoa, chips and soda will be served until 6 p.m. a spaghetti dinner will be served from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

“And then store sales and food and drink promotions at various local retailers and restaurants,” Bond said, adding that all that will happen on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2 at 10 a.m. there will be a Fun RunRudolph 5K at Schmuck Park.

Bond said that if anyone would like to sign up to participate in the parade, they can visit http://www.explorecolfax.com/winterfest-2023.

The Eagles Event Center will host a vendor fair on Friday, Dec. 1, from 3:30 to 8 p.m. at 217 North Main Street.

St. John will also be hosting their Winterfest celebration starting this Saturday, Dec. 2, featuring all-day sales and specials offered at local shops for those getting ready to stock up on Christmas gifts.

The St. John Garden Club is hosting a bake sale fundraiser in the City Hall, East 1 Front Street, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., or until all the baked goods are sold out on Saturday.

Also, starting at 10 a.m., there will be a PTO fundraiser to support St. John-Endicott 4-H until 2 p.m. in the Fire Station on Front Street.

The fundraiser will have crockpot soups, Krispy Kreme donuts, and a chance for attendees to see students’ art in an art walk.

A Holiday Fair occurs on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Eccles Community Hall, 9752 SR 23.

The fair will feature local and area crafters, artisans, makers, homemade soups, raffles and more.

Families can bring their kids to get a picture with Santa starting 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. by Steph D Photography at Torry’s Country Store, 102 Front Street.

Christmas Carolers will be performing in City Hall from noon until 2 p.m., and at 3:45 p.m., Winterfest attendees can warm up before the parade with Christmas stories, cocoa, and cider at the St. John library.

The torchlight parade will begin at 5 p.m., followed by a fireworks display.

Festivities will end Sunday, Dec. 3, with the St. John Community Club’s Dinner and Auction Benefit.