Join in Arlington Santa Parade

ARLINGTON — Margaret Larson lights the Arlington Christmas tree for the last time as mayor at 5 p.m. Saturday at Legion Park on Olympic Avenue in downtown Arlington.

The city’s annual Hometown Holiday event begins at noon Saturday with the Santa Parade down Olympic Avenue. Anybody can be in the parade.

Registration is at 11:30 at the intersection of Division Street and Olympic. The parade is best viewed from Third Street south to Legion Park.

Santa plans to be available for visits following the parade until 3 p.m. at the park. Parents should bring their cameras for photos. Volunteers plan to serve free hot chocolate.

Mark Winterhalter’s draft horses are scheduled to be on hand for free wagon rides from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., loading up at City Hall, 238 Olympic Ave.

Strolling Victorian singers and other musical groups are scheduled to entertain.

The Arlington Farmers’ Market plans to host a Handmade Holiday gift sale from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Magnolia Hall, 225 3rd St.

Next door at 301 N. Olympic Ave., Arlington Relay for Life plans a fundraiser bazaar from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Family photos by Photographic Journeys are available for $10 or 10 cans of food for the food bank during the day at Co-op Supply, 101 S Olympic Ave.

People who come out for the tree lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. should beware of the Grinch. People are encouraged to participate in the ugly sweater contest. Caroling and hot cocoa are planned.

Visitors to town also can enjoy the hundreds of painted snowman around the city, including Mayor Margaret the snowwoman in her garden at City Hall. Pick up a Snowman Extravaganza Scavenger Hunt worksheet at Arlington Health Foods or download a copy at www.arlingtonwa.org. Return your worksheet for a chance to win prizes.

The Hometown Holiday event is sponsored by city of Arlington and the Downtown Arlington Business Association.

More information is at www.arlingtonwa.gov.

Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427; gfiege@heraldnet.com.