Christmas Kickoff Weekend begins Friday: Businesses are offering holiday discounts, reminding residents to shop local

Ritzville businesses experienced a very successful Shop Local effort on Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28 and are now preparing for the Christmas Kickoff Weekend.

The Christmas Kickoff Weekend begins on Friday, Dec. 4, in Ritzville. Local businesses have teamed up to provide specials and coupons for the weekend in order to promote shopping local.

A list of the businesses and specific coupons available for this weekend can be found on Page 10.

Ritzville’s very own Main Street hosts many gifts for the whole family including tablets, antiques, garden items and clothing. Gift cards to the local restaurants as well as Chamber Bucks are always options to keep in mind as well.

The biggest change this year will be the annual tree lighting ceremony, which will take place on the Ritzville Public Library lawn. The lighting will take place on Dec. 4 at 5:30 p.m. where Mayor Linda Kadlec will have the honor of lighting the tree.

After the tree lighting, the Washtucna Band, under the direction of Lora Hille, will lead the crowd in caroling.

When the caroling has completed, those in attendance are invited into the Library to enjoy refreshments.

Residents are invited and encouraged to explore downtown as local businesses stay open late to provide an opportunity for shopping and taking advantage of special promotions offered.

Businesses are also continuing their sales and specials into the weekend, in order to support the beginning of the Christmas season. Many local businesses are also extending their deals to last until the week of Christmas.

The Ritzville Chamber of Commerce will be the starting point of the Shop with a Cop event on Saturday at 9 a.m. Those participating will shop in the downtown area for about an hour before ending at Legion Hall to wrap the recently purchased presents. Members of all local law enforcement agencies participate in the event, as well as local dispatchers.

The Ritzville Festivals Association will once again be hosting their annual Christmas tree sale beginning on Dec. 5, at 9:30 a.m. The trees are sold in front of the Festivals Building at 108 West Railroad Avenue.

The tree sale concludes at 2 p.m., but those unable to pick up a tree on Saturday can visit Ritzville Hardware to pick up a tree after Dec. 5.

Another annual event taking place on Saturday, Dec. 5, is the Holiday Bazaar sponsored by the Ritzville Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). This admission-free event will take place at the Ritzville Grade School from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The event will host an estimated 30 vendors selling items such as candles, bake sale goodies, soap, cards and books.

Additionally Santa will be available for photos, and attendees are reminded to bring a camera to capture the moment. Also, children are welcome to visit Charles Jingling’s train display to learn about trains.

At the AAUW Holiday Bazaar, Soup It Up is selling lunch items throughout the four hour event. A variety of raffle tickets to support local organizations are available at the event and can be purchased upon arrival.

Saturday proves to be a busy day as Cow Creek Mercantile hosts the 11th Annual Open House from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. The event has special weekend pricing, wine tasting and a raffle drawing occuring throughout the day.

The free children’s movie matinee will be taking place on Saturday as well. The movie this year is Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”. The event is sponsored by the Ritzville Area Chamber of Commerce, Uniquely Washington and Memories Diner.

The doors to the Ritz Theatre will open at 1:15 p.m. and the movie will begin at 2 p.m.

The Ritzville Fire Department will then deliver Santa to the theatre after the film around 3:45 p.m., where children will receive free treats.

On Sunday, the Ralston Grange is hosting the annual Christmas Party, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The event at the Ralston Grange Hall begins with a potluck dinner and is followed by a holiday talent program. The evening concludes with a visit from Santa.

The Christmas Kickoff Weekend serves as an opportunity for residents to support local businesses and join in the holiday spirit together to celebrate the joy the season brings.