Christmas season begins with weekend festivities

The holiday season begins with the annual traditions and festivities, sponsored by the Ritzville Area Chamber of Commerce, on Friday, Nov. 30, which kicks off a weekend of Christmas celebrations and activities.

At the Northern Pacific Railway Depot, children can send Santa Grams from 4-5:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30. The telegraphs are sent via Morse Code, by L.R. Keith and the Civil War Reenactment Group, to L.E. Trump. Trump is Santa’s Telegrapher Elf, No. 2, at “FB” Telegraph Office, Fairbanks.

The annual Christmas at the Clock event takes place on Friday, Nov. 30, at 5:30 p.m. in Pioneer Plaza. Mayor Linda Kadlec, with help from Santa Claus, is performing the tree lighting ceremony. The Zion Philadelphia Choir and Friends will sing Christmas carols during the tree lighting ceremony. Be at Main Avenue and Washington Street by the clock to watch the tree lighting and join in the festivities.

Immediately following the tree lighting, residents can wander down the street and warm up at the chamber office with a hot cup of coffee, homemade-spiced cider or hot chocolate, and cookies. Remember When…? will be providing a selection of holiday treats and drinks at the business until 8 p.m. and again on Saturday.

The First Friday Art Reception will take place on Friday, Nov. 30, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Ritzville Art Gallery. The gallery will feature the works of Jean Richards during the evening reception at 109 West Main Avenue, and the gallery will remain open until 8 p.m.

Beginning with the holiday kickoff events, the gallery is also hosting a fundraiser for Adams County Pet Rescue. The gallery is selling bird ornaments made by Terri Cody for $15, a broad selection of ornaments for $3 and on Friday night, visitors can paint their own clay ornaments at $5.

Also in the gallery is the annual Ritzville Western Art Show silent auction, with a wide array of fine western art. All proceeds from the auction directly benefit the Ritzville Western Art Show.

At the Ritzville Drug Company, Marva Schoessler is taking photos of individuals and their pets in the Claus for Paws event, to benefit Adams County Pet Rescue, from 4-6 p.m.

Community members are encouraged to shop locally for Christmas and to honor this; a group of businesses will keep their doors open until 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30. There will be a lot of in-store specials valid only from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday.

These businesses will stay open to support shop locally for Christmas: Remember When…?, Wild Flowers Quilt Shop & Liquor Store, Ritzville Drug Company, Northern Pacific Railway Depot, Flying Arts Ranch, Ritzville Pastime, Ritzville’s Pretty Good Grocery, Ritzville Area Chamber of Commerce, Ritzville Art Gallery, The New Ritz Theatre, Big Bend Bowl, Casuela’s Grill, The Hair Center Inc., Harvest Foods, Starbucks, and Cow Creek Mercantile/Spikes Deli & Pizza.

Saturday’s events begin with the 39th annual holiday bazaar, sponsored by the Ritzville branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW).

The holiday bazaar, in the Ritzville Grade School gymnasium, provides a wide variety of gift ideas and treats, as well as photos with Santa.

On Saturday, Dec. 1, there will be a free children’s matinee movie of “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted” at the New Ritz Theatre at 2 p.m., with doors opening at 1:15 p.m. After the movie, the Ritzville Fire Department and Santa will greet the children with treats.

The final event for the Christmas kickoff is the annual Ralston Grange Christmas Potluck and Party on Sunday, Dec. 2, beginning at 5:30 p.m., at the Ralston Grange hall.

For more information about these events, contact the chamber at 659-1936 or by email at [email protected].