If you’re ready for a real taste of the holidays, community events starting Saturday announce its arrival.
The Winter Spirit Tree Lighting ceremony is Saturday at Locomotive Park in Lewiston. The event starts at 4:15 p.m. with an Honor Guard followed by performances by area dance and vocal groups. Lights will be turned on at 6 p.m. Adult volunteers are needed at the park at 8 a.m. Saturday to help move heavy displays in final preparations for the night, said Larry Kopczynski, an organizer for the event. After Saturday, the park will be lit from 4:30 p.m. to midnight daily through Jan. 5. This is a change from last year when the park was only lit until 10 p.m., Kopczynski said. The use of LED lights have saved so much money they were able to extend the hours. Fireplace hours are 5:30 to 8 p.m., Sunday through Thursday; and 5:30 to 10 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and holidays.
The 33rd Annual Festival of Trees kicks off with Family Night from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Nez Perce County Fair Pavilion in Lewiston. Be among the first to see this year’s trees decorated in a variety of themes. There will be crafts for children and the Holiday Gift Shop will be open. Food will be available to purchase from Domino’s Pizza at Hot Shot Espresso. Community Day is from 1 to 4 p.m. next Thursday. Mini trees and wreaths will be for sale. Admission both days is by donation with proceeds benefiting the Tri-State Hospital Foundation. The event continues through next Saturday with a tea and gala ball. Details are available online at http://festivaloftrees.tristatehospital.org.
If you need a plan of attack for those Thanksgiving calories, here’s a good cause to burn them for. The 13th Annual Turkey Leg Fun Run starts at 7:45 a.m. next Thursday at the Green Frog Cafe in Palouse. Over the years the event has raised $13,000 for the Palouse Library and its youth book section. Donations for the run will be accepted at the library and the cafe at 100 E. Main St., where the event begins. All ages are welcome to run, jog or walk. Doughnuts, cocoa and hot cider are provided.
Find holiday happenings from now through the New Year in each week’s edition of Inland 360. If you have an event to be listed please send details to arts@inland360.com or enter it in our free online calendar at inland360.com.
