Daily Newsletters
Account
Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Snowy Saturdays don’t stop holiday cheer in Washington
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
WASHINGTON — Snow continued to shape the holiday season in Washington, but it did little to slow community spirit as families gathered Saturday for a rescheduled holiday events.
Main Street Washington welcomed residents to United Presbyterian Church on Dec. 13 for the makeup Breakfast with Santa after winter weather disrupted earlier plans. Despite steady snowfall — one of several snowy Saturdays this holiday season — the event ran from 8 to 10 a.m. and drew enough families to fill the room with energy and excitement.
Children spent their time at the event writing letters to Santa, making holiday crafts and posing for photos while volunteers served a freewill breakfast. Madison Kay Photography captured photos of families with Santa during the morning as kids bounced between activities.
“Best Santa I’ve seen in years!” Beth Paul said.
Families who attended said the weather did not dampen the experience and, for many, the breakfast became just one stop in a full day of holiday fun in Washington.
“We braved the weather today and ventured to Breakfast with Santa and caught Elf at the movie theatre,” Amy Allen said.
The free showing of Elf was part of Washington’s holiday movie series, which offers family-friendly films at the State Theatre during the Christmas season. The series allows families to gather indoors, warm up and enjoy a shared holiday tradition while supporting downtown businesses and activities.
The successful turnout at Breakfast with Santa followed another weather-adjusted event originally scheduled for the weekend after Thanksgiving, the annual Jingle Bell Run, which also demonstrated the community’s willingness to adapt and show up.
With snow falling, a change in date and a new indoor location, families arrived ready to participate, organizers said. Participants embraced the holiday theme, showing up in Christmas-themed leggings, festive pajamas and seasonal attire. One participant even arrived dressed as a jolly St. Nick, adding to the playful atmosphere as runners and walkers logged their miles indoors.
Together, the breakfast, movie series and Jingle Bell Run highlighted a holiday season shaped by flexibility and strong community turnout. Organizers said attendance across events reflected a shared desire to maintain traditions, even when plans required adjustments.
Main Street Washington put in the work to organize and promote this holiday programming in an effort encouraging families to spend time together and remain engaged downtown throughout December. The organization thanks volunteers and attendees for their support and willingness to venture out despite the weather and help continue these traditions.
As snow continues to define this year’s holiday season, Washington residents have repeatedly shown they are willing to bundle up, adjust plans and keep traditions alive — whether by sharing pancakes with Santa, watching a holiday movie together or running laps indoors dressed in festive pajamas.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
