Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
The SJEL winter athletes ride on their float during the parade.
Two young children ponder over what they want for Christmas during the pictures with Santa at Torrey's Country Store during Winterfest in St. John
ST. JOHN - Christmas cheer hit St. John on Saturday, Dec. 7, as residents gathered in the streets for Winterfest to shop for the holidays, enjoy live music and end the day with fireworks.
Starting the day, sales took place with the Holiday Fair getting in early Christmas shopping from local area crafters, artisans and makers.
Live music could be heard as a songfest took place and homemade soups and baked goods were enjoyed by all.
Mrs. Claus made an appearance to read at the library with children gathered around to listen and craft after which they were able to visit her husband Santa to ask for what they want for Christmas at Torry's Country Store.
Torry's Country Store Co-Owner Amy Shepherd said the store has hosted Santa since the last six years, they bought it with this year bringing in approximately 100 to 120 children.
"Santa is always fun, it's our favorite part of the year to watch the kid's come in and enjoy asking Santa what they want for Christmas," Shepherd said.
Kids were able to participate in a scavenger hunt at local businesses, completing a certain task for each and get a card stamped, entering to win a stocking full of toys.
Shepherd said sitting on Santa's lap was Torry's Country Store's task.
"Every one of the kids had a card and they had their card stamped or punched when they completed that," she said.
There was a stocking for boys and for girls to win in the drawing once they completed their card.
Profits from soup in the fire station profits went towards nonprofit Rae of Change, Lucy's Legacy, which mission is to end the stigma around drug abuse and help with mental health.
Shepherd said she was able to partake in the soup donation at the craft fair.
"They had many different types of soup there," she said.
Reindeer games were enjoyed and despite the rain, the crowd enjoyed hot chocolate and cider to enjoy the Torchlight Parade down Front Street.
Despite the rain everyone enjoyed the parade, finishing out the day with fireworks lighting up the sky.
"It was very cold, but everybody that could, still participated and were good sports about it," Shepherd said.
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