By Hutchinson Tribune Staff
HUTCHINSON—The Light Up Hutch Christmas Parade and Festival is set to take place this weekend, with activities beginning on the night of Friday, Dec. 5, and going through Saturday, Dec. 6.
Friday
From 6 to 9 p.m., the Hutchinson Zoo will host Prairie Nights Happy Hour: Holiday Lights. This is an adults-only event where patrons aged 21 and older can spend $40 per person ($32 per person for Hutchinson Zoo members) to enjoy the Christmas lights, animals, and socialize with other attendees while sipping drinks. Tickets are to be bought in advance, at hutchinsonzoo.org/163/Nights-Before-Christmas. Proceeds from this event will support the Hutchinson Friends of the Zoo.
Saturday
Throughout Saturday, many downtown businesses will be running specials to celebrate the Holidays and Light Up Hutch. More information can be found on their individual social media pages.
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Hutch Rec will host gingerbread house decorating at Memorial Hall. This free event will also feature Santa visits, interactive games, and carriage rides outside of Memorial Hall from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
At 3 p.m., the Family Community Theater will be putting on a production of “A Christmas Story: The Musical.” Ticket prices range from $8 to $16.50, and can be purchased at familycommunitytheatre.org/tickets.
From 4 to 6 p.m. United Way of Reno County will be hosting an event called Spread the Light Holiday Park, where visitors will have the opportunity to connect with local nonprofits and make a difference this holiday season. This event will also feature a food and treat court on Second Street, between Main Street and Washington Avenue.
At 6 p.m., Ad Astra Radio’s third annual Light Up Hutch Christmas Parade will begin at Avenue B and head north through Seventh Avenue on Main Street. Parade entries will be judged by local celebrity panels in various categories. There will be no parked cars allowed from Avenue B through Third Avenue, but car viewing spaces will be available from 3rd Avenue through 7th Avenue. Parking information and other details are available on the event’s Facebook page.