Ripley getting into Christmas spirit with Saturday events
Trending
RIPLEY -- The City of Ripley will be starting off the holiday season right with their annual Christmas Parade among other exciting festivities for families to enjoy around the city on Saturday.
Starting off the merriment is the Elf Off the Shelf Race by Main Street Ripley at 5:30 p.m. beginning at Calvary United Methodist Church. Runners must race to catch the elf that has escaped and get him back on the shelf before Santa comes.
The first 20 registered runners get a free T-shirt, while the top three in each running category receive a goody stocking. The runner that catches the elf will receive 100 Main Street dollars to go toward their Christmas shopping.
After the race, the Ripley Christmas Parade will start at 6 p.m., traveling from Ripley High School to the Starcher Mansion. There is no pre-registration for the parade, and all are welcome to attend on a first come, first serve basis.
"It's sure to be a wonderful evening and a beautiful parade," said Ripley Mayor Carolyn Rader. "Everyone participates in the parade; you'll even see our band members in the parade with Christmas lights wrapped around their instruments."
After the parade, The Starcher Mansion with the Daughters of the American Revolution will be holding a Boston Tea Party Reenactment, in celebration of the political protest's 250th anniversary on Dec. 16. Those attending the reenactment will have the chance to head inside the mansion to continue learning about the Boston Tea Party with various activity stations. Rounding out the night will be Santa Claus making a special appearance at the mansion for all the children in attendance.
"I think we are the only city around that will be having Santa Claus attend the Boston Tea Party," Rader said. "He will be at the place of honor, right at the main door of the mansion to welcome all who attend."
Refreshments will also be available at the Starcher Mansion, including cookies and hot cocoa provided by Jackson General Hospital, hot cocoa provided by Epworth United Methodist Church and candy provided by the City of Ripley.
"It's a time of being together, the Christmas season," said Rader. "It's been really nice getting to work hand in hand with Main Street, Jackson General and Epworth to bring all of this together for the community."
Gretchen Dowler can be reached at gdowler@newsandsentinel.com.