Christmas season is fast approaching which means the return of the annual Hope Holiday Fest.
With the clock ticking down until Dec. 25, the District of Hope is once again kicking off the holidays with a magical display of lights and festive cheer.
Taking place this Saturday (Nov. 30) in downtown Hope, from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the Hope Holiday Fest will be back to dazzle the community with an abundance of lights, Christmas decorations, and hot treats. The festival is being put on the Hope Cascades and Canyon Tourism, Hope Chambers of Commerce, the District of Hope, Hope Lions Club, Hope Communities in Bloom, and the Hope Standard.
Taking place in the evening, it will start off with a public viewing of a tree lighting ceremony, 5 p.m., at the District Hall. There, people can gather in front of the District Hall to witness as the Hope Lions Club, along with Mayor Victor Smith, light up the 21-foot tree on top of the building. Like last year, the event will marks the return of the Grinch carving who received a “tune-up” last year to look his very best.
In addition to the planned activities, many shops in downtown Hope are planning on staying open late for the evening and offering one-day only discounts. Hot chocolate and treats, sponsored by Hope Community Services (HCS), will be given out in Memorial Park free of charge. And kids will be able to get glow sticks from the Hope Fire Department, who will be onsite.
Unlike last year, however, the popular Rides with Santa will be taking place on Dec. 14 in Memorial Park. Hosted by Hope Towing and the Lions Club, locals can enjoy the ride by donating a non-perishable/non-expired food item or case to Envision Financial’s Full Cupboard. The themed ride is a decorated flatbed tow truck with Santa, Rudolph, and Olaf (from Disney’s Frozen) sitting in it.
