Parade, Depot's Christmas, parks events highlight city's holiday season
RICHMOND, Ind. — The city's annual parade returns to normal this year, kicking off a variety of local holiday activities.
The Main Street Richmond Holiday Parade will be at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, with a Christmas Vacation theme. It will travel on East Main Street from the Richmond Municipal Building to 10th Street.
Santa Claus will arrive in Richmond on the parade's final float.
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Last year, Santa Claus parked in a convertible on Seventh Street by Elstro Plaza and waved to vehicles that passed stationary parade entries as COVID-19 forced a drive-through parade.
Santa Claus will begin visiting with children at Richmond Mall as of noon Friday. He will be available daily from Friday through Christmas Eve. Reservations are available, but walk-ups are also accepted. Visit shoprichmondmall.com for Santa's hours and to make a reservation.
Depot Christmas
Historic Richmond Depot District will again host its Christmas in the Depot 5-7 p.m. Dec. 7 and 14.
The event will feature Candy Lane and visits by Santa Claus. This year, there will also be a Wine Walk for ages 21 and older.
Event updates will be available at the Historic Richmond Depot District Facebook page.
Parks events
Richmond Parks and Recreation Department boasts several December events.
“We are excited to have these end-of-the-year winter opportunities back in person and available for our community," said Denise Retz, the parks superintendent. "Our goal is to provide the best programs and events in our spaces. We hope to see you and your families able to come out this year and relax, make memories and enjoy time together in your parks.”
The 13th annual Snowball Shootout golf tournament will be Saturday at Highland Lake Golf Course.
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Two-person teams will play the course backward. An 11 a.m. shotgun start begins the tournament, and a chili lunch follows the competition.
Cost is $20 plus cart and green fees, and players can register by calling 765-983-7287 or at Highland Lake.
Saturday's events also include the Rosemary Weigel Frostbite 5K and the Celebration of Lights at Glen Miller Park.
Whitewater Valley Rehabilitation, the Wayne County Challenge and G101.3 sponsor the 5 p.m. twilight Frostbite 5K. Hundreds of luminaria light the runners' way through Glen Miller Park, and the proceeds help fund free summer park events and programs.
The 5K is named for Rosemary Weigel, a longtime parks employee who died in February 2012 after battling cancer.
Cost is $25 for adults and $20 for children. Register through the calendar link at www.richmondindiana.gov/whats-happening.
The Celebration of Lights follows the Frostbite 5K, 6-9 p.m. Saturday in Glen Miller Park. It is sponsored by Richmond Power & Light.
Luminaria will line the park, which also features Christmas lights; members of the public can take a stroll to enjoy the beauty. Event highlights also include horse-drawn wagon rides around the lake, seasonal music, a visit from Santa Claus, hot chocolate, crafts and more.
In the holiday spirit of giving, HYPE Wayne County and the Richmond Senior Recreation Center are partnering for a Winter Blood Drive 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 16 at the Senior Center, 1600 S. Second St. Registration at www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/donation-time is required.
The Winter Farmers Market Holiday Festival will be 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 18 at the Starr-Gennett Building, 101 S. First St.
In addition to the regular farmers market offerings, the festival will include a visit from Santa, a scavenger hunt for kids, a holiday basket giveaway from market vendors, live music from The Wallens, breakfast items from Sweet Blessings and beverages from Cordial Cork.
This article originally appeared on Richmond Palladium-Item: Parade, Depot's Christmas, parks events highlight city's holiday season
