Santa’s going to be awfully busy this weekend, even though Christmas is still three weeks away.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be kicking off the Christmas holiday all across Clark County through Sunday, making appearances at tree-lighting events and holiday festivals from Washougal to Yacolt.
Here is the schedule of this weekend’s holiday festivities (and the Big Guy’s stops):
• Battle Ground — Friday at Fairgrounds Park and Battle Ground Community Center, 912 E. Main St. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with carols by the high school choir. Santa will arrive in a fire truck at 5:40 p.m. and light up the Christmas tree at 6 p.m. The holiday party in the community center will run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus are $5, with proceeds benefiting the North County Community Food Bank. Canned food and dry goods will be accepted for the food bank.
• Camas — Friday in front of Liberty Theater, between Birch and Cedar streets on Northeast Fourth Avenue, and other downtown Camas locations. Entertainment will begin at 6 p.m. The Christmas tree-lighting will be at 6:30 p.m., followed by performances by middle school jazz bands and choirs. Photos with Santa will be available at 408 N.E. Fourth Ave. from 6:45 to 8:30 p.m. Other evening events include hay rides, kids’ crafts and stories at the Camas Public Library.
• La Center — Sunday between Aspen and Birch avenues on Fourth Street downtown. The Christmas festival will begin at 5:30 p.m. with music on the stage. Santa’s arrival at 6:15 p.m. will be followed by the tree-lighting and fireworks. Kids can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and listen to music until 8 p.m.
• Ridgefield — Saturday at Overlook Park and other downtown locations. The Hometown Celebration will take place all day Saturday, ending with the tree-lighting in the park at 4:30 p.m. Photos with Santa will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for $4, or $3 with two cans of food for the food bank. The event also will include a craft bazaar from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the community center; 5K and 10K run/walks beginning at 9 a.m. on Pioneer Street; free horse-drawn carriage rides from noon to 3 p.m.; and a free holiday movie at 1 p.m., followed by a music showcase, at the Old Liberty Theater.
• Washougal — Saturday at Washougal Town Square, corner of Main and Love streets. The day begins with the Festival of Trees and live music from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Santa will visit TrueValue from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The tree-lighting is scheduled for 6 p.m., following the auction of trees and gift baskets. All proceeds benefit Washougal schools. Nonperishable food donations will be accepted at the door.
• Yacolt — Sunday at Town Hall, 202 W. Cushman St. The annual Christmas tree-lighting event will run from 4 to 6 p.m. Pictures with Santa will be available for $3. The event will also include a raffle. Donations for the North County Community Food Bank will be accepted at the event.
