'Miracle on Main Street' returns to Ephrata
Columbia Basin Herald file photo Victor Manthey, 6, of Ephrata, works on a craft Saturday afternoon in the Ephrata Recreation Center during last year’s “Miracle on Main Street” event.
EPHRATA — Activities are scheduled all afternoon Saturday as part of “Miracle on Main Street,” the annual community Christmas celebration in Ephrata. Activities begin at noon at the Ephrata Recreation Center, 112 Southwest Basin St.
All events are free.
The rec center will be hosting crafts and games for children at noon. Kids will have their choice of a number of different activities. In previous years kids have made paper chains and various ornaments, participated in the coloring contest and the cupcake walk. In 2015 there was a baking contest.
A very important jolly old elf is on the guest list — Santa will be hanging out most of the afternoon for family pictures and to consult with kids on their Christmas wishes.
The annual Jingle Bell Fun Run has been moved to 3 p.m. Registration opens at 2 p.m. at the old American West Bank location, 261 Southwest Basin St. Runners gather for pre-race instructions at 2:50 p.m. Race day registration is $25.
Runners (and walkers) have their choice of two courses, 1 mile and 3 miles. The one-mile course runs down Basin Street to Frey Road and back. The three-mile course is for runners only. It starts in the old bank parking lot, follows the same course as the 1-mile but goes further down Frey Road. There are 11 age divisions, with a prize to the top male and female in each division.
The Lighted Parade begins at 5 p.m.; participants will step out along Basin Street. Lineup is at 4 p.m. in the Ephrata High School parking lot. Organizers prohibit throwing candy from vehicles, but parade participants can walk along the curb and pass out candy.
After the parade residents are invited to Rock Park Plaza to “light the plaza,” and the community Christmas tree. People who want more information can contact the Chamber at 509-754-4656 or by email at info@ephratawachamber.com.
The parade entry form suggests people dress for the weather, and the weather for Saturday and Saturday night calls for a slight chance of show, highs about 33 degrees, lows about 24 degrees.
Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at education@columbiabasinherald.com.