FORKS — The man in red will drive a train down Forks Avenue on Saturday night, arriving at a 22-foot tree adorned with hundreds of bulbs and handmade ornaments.
Following Santa Claus will be the Forks Old Fashioned Fourth of July float, fire trucks, an ambulance, perhaps a Rain of Terror hearse and other vehicles dazzling with string lights.
It’s that time of year again.
The 16th annual Twinkle Light Parade will return at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, concluding at the “triangle” — at the corner of Forks Avenue and Sol Duc Way — where a fresh tree from Gordon Gibbs’ backyard will light up with the flip of a switch.
About eight entries
Christi Baron, president of the West End Business and Professional Association and editor of the Forks Forum, had received about eight parade entries by Wednesday, though she expects others will show on the day of the parade, she said.
The parade spans two blocks and lasts about 10 minutes.
“It could be the smallest parade in the history of parades,” Baron said, laughing.
This is the second year the West End Business and Professional Association has sponsored the event, previously spearheaded by Janet and Tom Hughes of JT’s Sweet Stuffs.
The parade occurs regardless of the elements.
Previous years have seen heavy south winds, snow and heaps of rain. By Wednesday, forecasts showed a 12 percent likelihood of rain at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
After the tree lighting, Moonlight Madness will begin, when merchants open their doors to shoppers from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Many will offer specials.
Breakfast with Santa
Also Saturday, children may eat breakfast and snap photos with Santa Claus from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at First Congregational Church, 280 Spartan Ave. in Forks.
The West End Business and Professional Association sponsors the breakfast, which includes biscuits and sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, link sausage, french toast, coffee, juice and hot chocolate.
It costs $5 for adults and $3 for children younger than 12. A picture with the big man costs $5.
The Main Street Business Christmas Decoration Contest kicks off at 10 a.m. today, encouraging main street merchants to string up the lights and jazz up the window displays.
The cut off for participating businesses is Dec. 20.
Decorations will be judged by Dec. 26 and winners announced by New Year’s Day.
