By David Slone
Times-Union
WARSAW — Even with the weather expected to be cold and dry Friday, organizers for the Twinkle Light Parade, Central Park Holiday Light Display and related activities are still hoping for a good turnout in downtown Warsaw.
Nora Christiansen, Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce events coordinator, said Friday’s activities IN downtown Warsaw will feature all the vendors and food trucks that take part in Third Fridays, but it’ll just be on the first Friday of December from 5 to 8 p.m.
Santa Claus will be at the Optimist Club Santa House at the corner of Buffalo and Center streets for kids of all ages to visit.
The River Coffeehouse will be handing out free cups of cocoa Friday to the first 500 people.
Downtown merchants and vendors will be open later than normal Friday night, Christiansen said.
A radio station will provide holiday music.
The Twinkle Light Parade, which has become an annual tradition in downtown Warsaw, will begin at approximately 6:30 p.m.
Participants in the parade will include city vehicles decorated in Christmas lights, the Chamber’s trailer and a dance studio and motorcycle club (depending on weather conditions). The Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department will have a float in the parade, too, and will be giving out goodies as the parade travels through downtown.
The parade will start at the former Owen’s location, travel east on Center Street to North Indiana Street, go down to Central Park, loop back around on Buffalo Street and then circle around the county courthouse on Main and Lake streets.
Stephanie Schaefer, Warsaw Parks and Recreation Department recreation director said the Central Park Holiday Light Display – where all the Christmas lights in the park are turned on – starts Friday night.
Light Up the Night in Central Park will be from 6 to 8 p.m.
Santa Claus will find his way to the Glover Pavilion stage. Children will receive glow necklaces and goodie bags while supplies last.
East of the stage, near the restroom building and McDonald’s, will be a live reindeer. Will it be Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen or Rudolph? You’ll have to stop by to find out.
