Arlington prepares for Hometown Holidays

ARLINGTON — The city of Arlington is preparing for its annual Hometown Holidays celebration which will feature a variety of events including a visit from Santa, parade down Olympic Avenue, a gingerbread house competition and much more.

The events kick off Dec. 4 when community members can welcome Santa to town with a parade. The parade begins at noon and travels down Olympic avenue. If you would like to participate in the parade, applications are available at City Hall or online at www.arlingtonwa.gov, or you can register at the parade line up at 11:30 a.m. at N. Olympic Avenue between Fifth Street and Division Street. Parade viewing will be available from Third Street to Legion Park.

After the parade, Santa will be at the Legion Park gazebo where he will be available for visits and photos, so bring your camera. Lifeway Church will be providing caroling and hot chocolate. The Tree Lighting Celebration will be at 5 p.m.

For those who like edible architecture, the Downtown Arlington Business Association is sponsoring a Gingerbread House Competition. Community members can take their gingerbread houses to The Local Scoop, at 434 Olympic Avenue, between Nov. 29 and Dec. 2 where they will be on display until Dec. 18. Judging will be based on originality, creativity and overall appearance. First prizes will be awarded in each division which include Adult Division for those ages 17 and up, Children Division for those 8-16, and Young Children for those up to 8 years old. For rules and entry forms go to www.arlingtonwa.org.

Schedule of Events

Dec. 4

All day events

Snowman Scavenger Hunt

Find the pickle in the window displays and stores

Victorian singers around town

Noon to 5 p.m.

Snowman Cookie Decorating - Petite Sweet $3

Noon

Parade — Olympic Avenue

12:30-4:30 p.m.

Free wagon rides (begin at City Hall)

12:30-3 p.m.

Visits and photos with Santa at Legion Park

Hometown Holiday family portraits - fee 10 cans of food or $10 - at the Old Co-op building

4-5:30 p.m.

North County High School Homeschool Choir

5 p.m.

Tree Lighting Celebration at Legion Park

Dec. 11

All day events

Snowman Scavenger Hunt

Find the pickle in the window displays and stores

Victorian singers around town

11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Free wagon rides (begin at City Hall)

Noon to 5 p.m.

Snowman Cookie Decorating - Petite Sweet $3

Noon to 3 p.m.

Hometown Holiday family portraits - fee 10 cans of food or $10 - at the Old Co-op building

Noon to 3 p.m.

Santa Photos at New Beginnings

Dec. 18

All day events

Snowman Scavenger Hunt

Find the pickle in the window displays and stores

Victorian singers around town

11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Free wagon rides (begin at City Hall)

Noon to 5 p.m.

Snowman Cookie Decorating - Petite Sweet $3

Noon to 3 p.m.

Santa Photos at New Beginnings

3 p.m.

Gingerbread prizes awarded

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