Celebrate Winterfest
Here Comes Santa Claus (and the Budweiser Clydesdales, too!)

After Election Day, when politicians stop visiting Northeast Ohio to talk to their constituents, the next eagerly awaited visitor to Lake Erie's south shore arrives on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. That's when Santa Claus arrives to talk to his constituents --the big difference being, of course, that Santa actually tries to deliver on his promises. Santa arrives in Cleveland on Saturday, November 29, as part of Winterfest 2008. Lisa Krieger of the Downtown Cleveland Alliance (DCA) tells us this year's shindig is packed with activities. They spearhead Winterfest as well as many other downtown events -- including Sparx in the City -- and they definitely know how to throw a party.

Winterfest kicks off at noon, with “many partner events throughout downtown,” she says, adding that, “All of them are free and all are family friendly.” In addition to the traditional Kris Kringle display at Tower City, check out music, dance, art, and refreshments at the many participating downtown venues, including the Hard Rock Café, the Old Stone Church, the Cleveland Public Library, the Old Arcade, and the East 4th Street neighborhood.

At 6PM, all the action moves to Public Square for the holiday lighting ceremony and parade. Krieger notes that the parade will include marching bands, floats, and pipe and drum corps. Then, she says, “The parade transitions into the antique carriage parade. We have carriages from three states participating. There will be all types of horses and hitches, all decorated in the holiday spirit.” Weather permitting, the Budweiser Clydesdale horses will be either in the parade or on display as part of the festivities. “They’re hard to get,” Krieger says proudly, “but we’ve got them.”

No Christmas in Cleveland would be complete without the film A Christmas Story, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2008. The Second Annual A Christmas Story Convention (see "Ralphie Turns 25" in our events section) has been timed to coincide with Winterfest. The convention is being held on Friday and Saturday, November 28 and 29, at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel downtown.

After the horse and carriage parade, there will be live entertainment on the Square followed by fireworks. If you and your family are still ready to play, be sure to attend the after party in 200 Public Square (formerly known as the BP Building) for more music, food, fun, and the chance to talk to Santa.

Santa may have many helpers in Northeast Ohio, but Krieger is very clear: “Santa is always in the Winterfest parade. He’s the real Santa.”

For detailed information on specific events, please visit: http://www.cleveland.com/winterfest.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Susan Petrone susanATtheinkcasino.com
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