Ashton is getting into the festive spirit as the community prepares for a full day of celebration with the town’s annual Spirit of Christmas event.
The festivities kick off this Saturday with a craft fair in the morning, a tree lighting in the early evening and a Christmas parade to end the night.
“I am probably most excited to light the park and watch the parade just because it's a whole family event. It's free and it is so much fun. And my kids just love watching the tractors drive by with the Christmas lights,” said Emma Drane, a Spirit of Christmas planning committee member.
The craft fair will open at 9 a.m. at North Fremont High School and run until 3 p.m. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment from a handbell choir and a local homeschool group, as well as a visit from Santa at 1 p.m. Pictures with Santa will be free.
All vendors at the fair are local artisans who create their products by hand.
“There's woodworkers who bring lamps. There's people who make knives that will be there. Lots of baked goods. There's a wonderful girl locally who makes goat milk soaps and cosmetics, lotions, soaps, that sort of thing,” Drane said.
North Fremont High School National Honor Society students will also host a raffle, with prizes including gift cards to local businesses and themed baskets. All proceeds will benefit the Family Crisis Center in Rexburg.
This year’s tree lighting will be a bit different. Instead of lighting a single tree, the entire Pocket Park on Main Street will light up. The restaurant 511 Main Fountain and Pizzeria, along with Reynolds Electric, are donating power for the display and local volunteers have decorated the park. After the lighting, attendees can enjoy free hot chocolate, cookies and caroling.
Thirty minutes later, a tractor light parade will roll down Main Street, featuring appearances by both the Grinch and Santa Claus.
Many local businesses have helped sponsor the event, with Dan’s Plumbing serving as this year’s main sponsor.
“Come drink your hot chocolate, watch the light parade, sing with us. It's a great kickoff to the Christmas season,” Drane said.
The craft fair runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at North Fremont High School. The tree lighting begins at 5 p.m. in Pocket Park, followed by the parade at 5:30 p.m.