SNOW blitz in Washington

Main Street Washington held its annual SNOW blitz on Saturday, drawing a crowds to a 5k run and pancake breakfast in the morning, local businesses throughout the day, and a lighting ceremony and parade at night.

Main Street Executive Director Sarah Grunewaldt said the festivities were a pleasure to produce.

“It’s really fun for me, and I don’t have children, but it’s fun to watch kids experience it,” she said. “You watch the magic happen. There’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes to make the magic happen, but it’s still fun for us. That’s the part that’s joyful, it just makes the community feel the Christmas spirit.”

Lions Club Fundraiser and Organizer Bill Ebert said the group handed out around 90 plates at the pancake and sausage breakfast.

“Seeing the kids come in here and have fun, seeing Santa sitting around reading a book, they’re all getting in the spirit,” Ebert said.

9 a.m. saw two events at once. The first was scheduled: the start of the 5k Jingle Bell Run at JP’s 207, which hosted registration for the event. The other was the arrival of the day’s rain in Washington.

“I would say it’s a great turnout considering it’s a bit of a dreary day,” JP’s Owner Jaron Rosien said. “The purpose is front and center and the charity and participation is tremendous.”

5 p.m. marked the start time for the lighting ceremony, sponsored by the Washington Chamber of Commerce.

“Since 2018, the Chamber has invested $35,000 into our community’s holiday lights,” Chamber Event Coordinator Alisha Davis said. “We have approximately 5,500 linear feet of lighting in the downtown area … and we can’t wait to light it up here.”

The city square was visited by Mr. and Mrs. Clause, who led the lighting ceremony.

The night concluded with the 26th annual holiday lights parade, back after its pandemic-related cancellation last year. The event saw roughly a dozen floats rounding the square, each sporting varying degrees of festive decorations.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com