Before the parade festivities begin on Saturday, families will get the chance to enjoy a sweet treat while their children will have the opportunity to hand deliver their Christmas wish list to Santa.
As a way to invite local families to enjoy the wonderful lights and downtown atmosphere during the Christmas season, Sweetsie Treats, located at 438 E. Elk Avenue, will be hosting a special visit by the man from the North Pole himself. From Noon until 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, Santa will set up shop in the event center located next door to Sweetsie Treats to meet with children and hear about their Christmas wishes.
“Sweetsie Treats wanted to offer a local, free, warm, inviting chance for the children to drop off their letter in person to Santa,” said Kim Perkins, one of the owners of Sweetsie Treats.
Families are invited to stop by any time between Noon and 2 p.m. to visit with Santa, who will have to leave at 2 p.m. so he can take a nap and get ready for the Christmas parade, which begins at 6 p.m.
“We will have photographer available, although the parents are more than welcome to take photos also,” Perkins said.
The current weather forecast for Saturday calls for cold temperatures the day of the parade, but Sweetsie Treats has a plan for that as well and will be serving hot chocolate during the parade.
Visitors who come to Santa or stop in before the parade will receive a 10 percent discount if they mention reading about the event in the Elizabethton Star.