By Nancy Huddleston, Editor

The holidays are upon us, so get into the spirit of the season at WinterFest 2009 Thursday, Dec. 3 between 5 and 8 p.m. in downtown.

The annual event started three years ago and is sponsored by the Savage Chamber of Commerce and the city of Savage. It began as a way to bring a hometown holiday atmosphere to the downtown area and has was a huge success as approximately 1,000 flocked downtown to soak up the holiday spirit in 2007 and last year the crowd grew to about 1,500.

“This is a great community event that kicks off the holiday season and gives people the opportunity to visit the newly-renovated downtown and businesses in that area,” said Chamber Executive Director Lori Anderson.

Activities

The center of activity during the evening is The Savage Depot and the town square parking lot, so 123rd Street between Princeton and Natchez avenues will be closed to traffic starting at 4:30 p.m.

A crowd favorite, Santa Leo, will be back again this year, but he can be found in a different location and has different hours. He’ll be inside SarahCare Adult Day Services in the middle of the block on 123rd Street from 4:30 to 8 p.m. to hear children’s wishes. He will take a break from 5:45-6:45 p.m. to participate in the tree lighting ceremony.

Also new this year: there will be a $5 charge for those wishing to have their photo taken with Santa Leo by Custom Creations Photography of Shakopee.

At 6 p.m. the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Children’s Choir will be performing outside The Savage Depot. Then at 6:15 p.m., Santa Leo will join Mayor Janet Williams on the deck of The Savage Depot as she reads the WinterFest proclamation. Right afterward , the Community Christmas tree on the corner of the town square lot will be “magically” lit.

Christmas caroling will resume at 6:30 p.m., but this time Mayor Williams will join in.

From 6:45 to 7:05 p.m., dancers from Center Stage Dance will be performing in the Event Center at Neisen’s Bar and Grill, located at the corner of 123rd Street and Princeton Avenue. Students from Minnesota Valley Gymnastics will take the stage from 7:10 to 7:35 p.m. Then at 7:40 p.m., more dancers from Center Stage Dance will perform until 8 p.m. The Event Center can be reached two ways: on the west side off Princeton Avenue (direct route) or from the north side off 123rd Street (through the bar and grill).

There are also a variety of events taking place continuously from 5 to 8 p.m. all up and down 123rd Street.

Those activities include:

+ A scavenger hunt throughout the downtown area

+ A Business Expo featuring area businesses in the Event Center at Neisen’s

+ Free horse and carriage rides

+ Free s’mores, apple cider and hot chocolate

+ Kids crafts and activities inside at The Hamilton, 4735 W. 123rd St., in the ISD 191 Head Start program classrooms

+ Food vendors (Buffalo Wild Wings, Paradise Pizza & Grill and Culver’s) will be set up in the lobby of the apartments at The Hamilton

+ Gourmet coffee and treats will be available at the Savage Art Studios and Gallery, 4735 W. 123rd St. Also, “Minnesota’s Own Holiday Art Show” opens and features a broad selection of original works by some of the area's favorite artists and photographers.

Also during the evening, Mayor Williams will be strolling downtown streets in a period costume and visiting with residents. And local businesses along 123rd Street are expected to be open.

Nine costumed elves will also be available to answer questions throughout the evening. They will be giving out scavenger hunt maps and handing out free “Business in a Bag” containers.

Nancy Huddleston can be reached at editor@savagepacer.com.

If you go …

What: WinterFest 2009

When: 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 3

Where: Downtown Savage, on 123rd Street around The Savage Depot and the Town Square parking lot

Cost: Free, but there will be a charge of $5 for pictures with Santa. Businesses in downtown will be open and there will be a WinterFest Business Expo in the Event Center at Neisen’s Bar and Grill.

Special events: pictures with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, s’mores made over an open fire and lots of crafts and activities for the children. And there will also be holiday dancers, gymnastic performances, and a scavenger hunt.

More information: On the Web at www.cityofsavage.com or www.savagechamber.com.