Welcoming Huron's WinterFest

HURON— Enjoy food, shopping, a parade and more at a festive celebration. From 1-6:30 p.m. on Dec. 7, the Huron Boat Basin, 330 N. Main St., will host Huron WinterFest. Organized by Huron Parks & Recreation and the Greater Sandusky Partnership, the all-ages event features carriage rides, kids crafts and more. Event organizers welcome people to enjoy "a magical day of holiday cheer." "What started a very long time ago as an evening with Santa Claus has transitioned, over the years, into a traditional small-town holiday celebration," said Brian Croucher, the city's parks and recreation manager. His department "is very grateful for the support of the WinterFest sponsors who help make this event possible for the community." Here's a look at some notable events: 1 p.m. • The Christmas Parade will step off from McCormick Junior High School, 325 Ohio St. The parade will turn onto Jim Campbell Boulevard, then north on Center Street, east on Wall Street and south on North Main Street. The parade will end at Huron Boat Basin's clock tower. 2-6 p.m. • Santa and Mrs. Claus will be present in the marina building, 330 N. Main St. Children are invited to come visit the pair for a meet-and-greet and photos. There will also be horse-drawn carriage rides leaving from and returning to the boat basin property. All day • There will be a holiday market at Harbor House Bar & Grill and Riverside Banquet Center, 132 Main St. • Additional holiday shopping is located along South Main Street "where you will find unique and creative nautical gifts, decor, jewelry, Huron-ware and so much more," according to an event statement. • People can drop by the lobby of Comfort Inn River's Edge to meet various characters from "Frozen," including Elsa, Anna and Olaf and Riverview Lanes for holiday-spirited face-painting. • The marina building will also host an initiative known as Warm Hands from Young Hearts Giving Tree. Attendees can donate hats, scarves, gloves and mittens at the tree. Donations may also be dropped in the red letters-to-Santa box located by the clock tower. The donations will provide warm items to locals in need. • Regarding the red letters-to-Santa box, children can let Santa know their holiday wish lists. • Several food trucks will be present. The Huron High School marching band will pass out hot cocoa. • Rock & Roll Express Entertainment Co. will provide audio, and the Troubadours will provide entertainment and festive music throughout the day. 6:15 p.m. • Huron's official holiday tree, at the boat basin, will light up the night. 6:30 p.m. • The event will conclude at 6:30 p.m. with the community tree lighting and a fireworks display. "With the generous support of our local businesses, Huron WinterFest remains a free event, bringing the community together to celebrate the joy of the season," said Alissa Fisher, director of marketing and creative services for the partnership. "It's a privilege to help create magical moments for families and friends, and we invite everyone to join us in making this holiday season truly unforgettable." Visit the Huron WinterFest on Main Facebook page for more information.