Eastern Adams County's Only Independent Voice Since 1887
Eastern Adams County's Only Independent Voice Since 1887
A young Ritzville resident briefly speaks with Santa about what she would like to get for Christmas during the holiday festivities on Dec. 18.
A group of children sprints into the Ritzville City Park to find a numbered ornament during the first annual ornament hunt in Winterfest. Each ornament had a number corresponding to a gift they received as well.
Hundreds of area residents came out to enjoy Ritzville's Winterfest activities including a drive thru meet and greet with Santa and some firefighters, an exciting ornament hunt, and a lighted parade.
RITZVILLE – Young and old turned out, Saturday, Dec. 18, for Winter Fest activities.
An inch of fresh snow fell overnight contributing to the festive winter setting.
The first activity of the afternoon was the Fly-In Santa.
Due to inclement weather at the departure location, Santa Claus was not able to take off in the Life Flight helicopter.
But, the Ritzville Fire Department saved the day, delivering Santa Claus to the grade school on time.
Dozens of cars lined up on "Candy Cane Lane" behind Lind-Ritzville High School, carrying children excited for a brief visit with Santa.
Greeting the cars were Olivia Robbins, Kris Robbins and Jaime Nichols, passing out "I Spy Santa Claus" coloring books and candy canes to the children.
Santa was posted next to a Ritzville Fire Engine, handing out treat bags, assisted by firefighters Dave Breazeale, Matt Kubik and Andy Lefevre.
Next was the inaugural Ornament Hunt.
The hunt was open to all ages, and dozens turned out to search for 75 ornaments hidden throughout the city park.
Hunters were instructed to find one ornament per hunter and bring the numbered ornament to the prize table, and collect their prize. Prizes included cash, gift cards and merchandise from local businesses.
One young ornament hunter may have received a collector's item, walking away with a vintage "Blues, Brews and BBQs" T-shirt.
As darkness fell, attention shifted to Main Avenue for the Lighted Parade.
Holiday music played from speakers at the corner of Main and Washington streets as the parade began with the Ritzville Chamber of Commerce float.
Other parade entries included Lind-Ritzville Schools, the "Neighbors Caring for Neighbors" float from East Adams Rural Healthcare, East Adams EMTs, Big Bend Electric Cooperative, a Santa's Workshop float, Ritzville Police, the Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Basketball teams, the Quarter Midget Racing Association float and a truck from Fire District No. 2 with Boomer – the Lind-Ritzville Middle School Mascot – aboard.
Sheriff Dale Wagner and vehicles from the Adams County Sheriff's Office, lighted trucks from Avista Utilities and RDO Equipment, were also in the lineup.
The parade concluded with trucks from the Ritzville Volunteer Fire Department and Adams County Fire District No. 5.
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