Old Man Winter affects Santa's arrival
<p>Jaxon Lysne, 4, pauses from putting stickers on a Christmas scene as other children make ornaments during craft activities at the 2012 Post Falls Winterfest.</p>
<p>Teresa Benner, human resources director for the City of Post Falls, place ornaments on a tree in the rotunda Tuesday at City Hall while making preparations for Post Falls Winterfest.</p>
Santa Claus isn't coming to town for Hayden's parade and Christmas tree lighting ceremony this year, but jolly old St. Nick still plans to make stops for other community celebrations on Friday and Saturday.
The city of Hayden on Wednesday decided to pull the plug on its lighting ceremony, parade and festivities inside City Hall on Saturday due to the extreme cold weather predicted for that night.
"Many citizens have expressed their concerns that it will be too cold for many of the young kids and elderly involved with the event," said K.C. Sheffler, Hayden's recreation coordinator. "Unfortunately, there is no plan to reschedule the event, so people should plan on there being no Hayden festivities this year."
Meanwhile, Santa still has a busy schedule with other community celebrations continuing on as planned. Here's a look at what's planned:
• Post Falls Winterfest
The event will feature a tree lighting at the City Hall plaza at 6 p.m. on Friday before activities move inside Post Falls City Hall.
"We hope that people come to the Post Falls Winterfest to celebrate the season as a community," said Traci Stevenson of the city's recreation department. "It is a fun and free family event. We are looking forward to a great night of holiday cheer."
There will be choir performances, crafts for kids, cider and cookies. Mayor-elect Ron Jacobson will read "'Twas the Night before Christmas." Santa is expected to arrive around 7:15 p.m. Families can take photos with Santa.
Attendees are invited to bring non-perishable food items, unwrapped new toys, blankets or coats for those in need and the Tree of Giving.
• Rathdrum December d'Lights
The Rathdrum Library will be open on Friday from 4-8 p.m. with singing by the Lakeland High choir, an appearance by the Grinch, treats and kids' activities. Attendees can also receive a boarding pass for a Christmas light tour.
"We are planning on using a school bus for the 'hayrides' instead of open wagons (due to the cold weather)," said Shanie Rountree of the Rathdrum Area Chamber of Commerce.
There will also be a holiday stroll at the Lakeland Shopping Center from 5-8 p.m.
On Saturday, there will be events on Main Street from 1-5 p.m., including arts and crafts at City Hall, fire pits to help stay warm, a dash for cash for kids, a baking contest, entertainment, concessions and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Most events, with the exceptions of the dash for cash for kids and the lighted rig parade starting at 5:30 p.m., will be inside buildings.
• Spirit Lake parade
The Spirit Lake Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a lighted parade and celebration on Maine Street on Saturday.
There will be carolers and refreshments at 5 p.m., followed by the parade at 6 p.m. After the parade, the Timberlake High band and choir will perform.
Parade entries should line up at 5:30 p.m. at Fourth and Vermont.
• Christmas in St. Maries
Santa will arrive on Main Street in St. Maries on Saturday at 12:45 p.m.
There will be horse-drawn wagon rides departing from the Grub Box from 1-4 p.m. The lighted parade starts at 5 p.m. Businesses will be open all afternoon.
There will also be a craft fair at the Eagles from 1-4 p.m.