SNOW blitz in Washington this weekend

WASHINGTON — Main Street Washington will host its annual SNOW blitz on Saturday, packing the schedule with festive activities.

“We’ve done this for a long time, and it basically is a way to kick off the Christmas season in our community,” Main Street Executive Director Sarah Grunewaldt said. “It’s just a nice way to bring families together when they’re already gathering.”

The day starts with the Jingle Bell Run and breakfast with Santa. Registration for the run opens at 8 a.m. at JP’s 207, with the run starting at 9 a.m. Santa will be available at the United Presbyterian Church from 8-10. Visitors at the breakfast can also grab tickets to a free movie at the State Theater, with show times at 12 and 2 p.m.

At 5 p.m., a special guest will hold a lighting ceremony in central park, which is followed immediately by the lighted holiday parade, an event Grunewaldt said would likely draw a large crowd.

“We usually completely encircle the square with people,” she said. “We send out holiday post cards … it goes out to everybody in the county, and do we capture all those people? No. But do we capture several thousand of them? Maybe.”

At the end of the parade, Santa is scheduled to arrive at 6:30 p.m., and can be visited at 120 E. Main St.

Proceeds from the event this year go to the lights around the square, which Main Street Washington maintains, and to PAWS & More Animal Shelter.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com