PORT TOWNSEND — Caroling, ornament-making, visits with Santa and the blaze of color as the community tree is lit are in store for Port Townsend on Saturday.
Santa will listen to children’s wishes — and be available for photographs — from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Flagship Landing, according to the Port Townsend Main Street Program.
He will arrive on the Kiwanis Choo Choo at about 4:30 p.m. — dusk this time of year on the North Olympic Peninsula — for the treelighting at Haller Fountain.
Before then, caroling with the Wild Rose Chorale will be offered beginning at 2 p.m., and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can make their own holiday ornaments at the Tyler Street Plaza while supplies last.
The tent is in place because of Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, funding and help from the City of Port Townsend. It provides a covered and festive outdoor space through Dec. 10, weather permitting.
Donations will benefit PT Artscape, which supports the arts in the public schools.
On view now are the decorated windows merchants prepared for the holiday season.
Windows were judged Nov. 25 and winners were announced Nov. 26 on Small Business Saturday.
Winning the gold was Abracadabra at 936 Water St.
“The judges were impressed by the whimsy and merriment of this store’s windows, filled with darling stuffed animals tucked in gift boxes, oversized snowflakes, snow globes, cozy socks and holiday cheer,” said Mari Mullen, executive director of Port Townsend Main Street.
The window design was by Kristin Berg, Brooke Weber and Carli Rose.
The silver winner was Rust & Relic Vintage at 1030 Lawrence St.
“This Uptown business’ windows stood out with traditional holiday touches by owners Corrie Mathews and Michelle Masterson,” Mullen said.
“It featured Christmas trees, vintage sleds and lighted decorations that brought attention to their merchandise.”
Honorable mention went to the Bishop Block Bottle Shop at 714 Washington St.
“This window charmed the judges with its imaginative bell jars filled with twinkling lights and holiday touches — toys, nutcrackers and festive decorations,” Mullen said.
The window designer is Michael Snyder.
Beginning Thursday, entries into the Uptown Gingerbread Contest will be accepted at the Port Townsend Public Library, 1220 Lawrence St.
Entries can be dropped off through Dec. 11. Judging will take place Dec. 12-19 by artist Max Grover.
Winners, who will receive gift certificates, will be announced Dec. 22.
For more information, see publiclibrary.org or call the library at 360-385-3181.
On Dec. 10 will be “It’s a Wrap” from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Tyler Plaza. High school students from Port Townsend’s Kiwanis Key Club and Rotary Interact Club will wrap locally purchased gifts.
Also, the Kiwanis Choo Choo will roll through town.
See ptmainstreet.org for more about the holidays.
