Major Christmas events set for Saturday in Coldwater
Coldwater will have major Christmas events Saturday, with the annual Christmas parade through downtown beginning at 7:30 p.m.
The star, as always, is Santa Claus. The theme is "Christmas Trees and Memories."
Honored this year as the Christmas parade grand marshal is Kim Hemker, executive director at Branch County Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.
That organization and the Coach Eby Youth Family Center will start the festivities with a family dinner. There will be pancakes, sausages, biscuits and gravy, grilled cheese and sausage sandwiches at 4 p.m. at 89 W. Chicago St.
Santa and Mrs. Claus plan visit just after 4 p.m to greet youth and families. The Grinch also is expected. Altrusa’s elves will have books to give to children. Entertainment will be provided by Delbert Walling and Hailey Houtz, with a holiday flare.
The event will continue until 7 p.m., allowing time for everyone to get ready for the parade.
Lineup for the parade takes place on North Hudson Street. The route proceeds west on U.S. 12 to Pierce Street. The road will be closed and traffic detoured onto Pearl Street during the parade.
What will Santa be doing before the Eby Center and parade? You can catch him on Little River Railroad riding east toward Quincy on the old steam locomotive train.
The Christmas Express will make three trips Saturday at departing at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. from the Coldwater depot near Race Street.
This year, the staff is using smaller trains and a shorter route to make the trip even better. Although the old cars are heated, dress warmly for the ride.
If you plan to go, make reservation early on the Little River Railroad website, bit.ly/3o36CA3. The winter favorite sells out quickly, with people making the trip from around the three-state region.
Tickets for ages 12 and up are $20, $13 for ages 3-11, free for children under age 3.
Restrooms are available inside the station before and after the excursion, with sanitizing stations on-board and on the platform
With continued precaution against COVID-19, the trains will be limited to half-capacity Face masks are optional.
Also featured this month is "Family Promise Ugly Sweat 5K" Dec. 18 at the fairgrounds. It begins at 9 a.m. near Dearth Community Center. Runners are asked to wear an "ugly" sweater. Entry fee is $20. Register through Dec. 17 at bit.ly/31ezHQd. There is an option to participate virtually from home.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Reporter: Coldwater Christmas events set for this Saturday
