A certain rosy-cheeked, rotund gentleman in a red suit will have a full schedule keeping up with events around the Greater Trail area this weekend if the special events calendars in Trail and Fruitvale are any indication.
“It all starts (Friday) with Santa’s Candy parade, down Bay Avenue, at 6:15 p.m. and there’ll be lots of candy for the kids,” said Andrea Jolly, communications and event coordinator for the City of Trail.
“Then we’ll gather on Cedar Avenue, between Eldorado and Spokane streets for hot dogs, hot chocolate and cotton candy, with entertainment by the St. Michael’s School Choir and Santa will be on location collecting letters.”
The events will wind up on the street at 7 p.m. and everyone is encouraged to head down the street to the Trail Smoke Eaters game at the Cominco Arena where kids 12 and under will get free admission.
In Fruitvale, things start early Satuday with a pancake breakfast with Santa at 9 a.m. prepared by the Fruitvale firefighters.
The day continues with Jingle Express train rides between 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., although this event proved to be very popular and tickets sold out within 30 minutes of going on sale.
The day continues with a free movie offering at the Fruitvale Memorial Hall at 3:30 p.m., a host of food vendors on the street, hot dogs, hot apple cider, and hot chocolate, horse drawn sleigh/wagon rides and an evening bonfire to cap off the festivities.