A holiday tradition of more than 20 years, the 2012 Colfax Country Christmas is set for 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday in downtown Colfax.
Santa and his elves will arrive at 4 p.m. to kick off the event on West Howard Street. The Snow Ball Drop will be at 4:15 p.m., with more than 1,000 ping pong balls offering a chance to win 200 prizes, including $600 in Colfax Bucks.
The event also will feature the Reindeer Crossing, a nine-hole miniature golf game which guides participants through local businesses; pictures with Santa from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at 126 N. Walnut St. (former Remax location) for $5; and wood carving sponsored by Teen Challenge in the Skiff Medical Clinic parking lot. Attendees also may enjoy fresh roasted nuts from the Teen Challenge Roasted Nut Cart.
The Colfax Library and Colfax Community Pre-School will host crafts at the Colfax Library. Children can write a letter to Santa at First State Bank and drop their letter in the mailbox at the bank. Santa will be responding to their letters within a couple of weeks.
Free horse-drawn carriage rides will be offered around downtown Colfax. Pick up and drop off will be located in front of the Senior Citizen building and Hair Gallery.
Chili, chicken noodle, cheese and bean soup located will be at the senior citizen building from 4 to 7 p.m. Stop in and grab a bowl of soup and crackers for $4. Dessert will be available at the Holiday Cookie Walk sponsored by the Band Boosters.
The following businesses will offer evening specials: Wishes wine, food tasting and artwork by Urbandale artist Israel Lopez; Georgioz beer and wine special; 20 percent off product and tanning specials by Professional Hair Designers; Thirsty Turtle bean bag games and specials; Poppy’s dinner special; and Shugars annual food tasting. Don’t forget to visit Colfax Food Pantry and drop off a food donation for the holidays; and stop to check out crafts the Girl Scouts are selling.
The Catholic Church, Methodist Church, Baptist Church and Colfax-Mingo High School Choir will be caroling from 4:30 to 7 p.m. as they stroll through the downtown businesses.