Independence Fire District Station 1. Grades 4 to 8. Run, walk, or prance your way through town at Santa’s 5K Fun Run – a new favorite at the Christmas Walk! The jolly old elf will leave race t-shirts, goody bags and Santa hats for runners, but everyone is encouraged to wear their festive finery, as prizes will be awarded in the Costume Contest. Prizes also for the top finishers in multiple age groups for runners and walkers. Cost is $25 for pre-registered racers or $30 on race day.Race begins and ends at Firehouse on Declaration Drive. Call Greg at (513) 404-6133 for details or visit www.indepba.org/Santa5KRun. Bring your tiny tots early to meet Santa as he strolls along the Courthouse lawn. It’s a great time for a photo opportunity and to check out some of the crafters and food vendors who may be set up early. If you’re looking for that perfect holiday gift, check out the Christmas Walk Craft Fair! This year artisans will be at the Courthouse and at the other end of the Walk by the Independence Senior Center, with more handcrafted, unique items for everyone on your list. Personalization is offered by some vendors. Cash and credit cards accepted. Food vendors will also be at both ends of the Christmas Walk. The Twenhofel Middle School Treblettes sing the National Anthem, followed by holiday songs from the 8th Grade Choir. From Independence Christian Church to the Municipal Center. Register online. No fee to enter. Prizes awarded for best floats — 1st prize $100, 2nd prize $75, 3rd prize $25. Vote on Facebook for your favorites!! Download registration forms at www.indepba.org. See map on opposite page for details on the more than two dozen stops along the Walk! Check out the Christmas Walk Facebook page for updates! Download the online guide with the QR Code. Photo courtesy of Marc Figgins/Downtown Atwood Photo 7 pm — Miss Independence Pageant — City Building 7 pm to 10 pm — Snowball Dance 1 pm — 3rd Annual Santa’s 5K Fun Run 4 pm to 9 pm — ChristmasWalk Craft Fair 5:15 pm —Tree Lighting — Courthouse Square 6 pm to 9 pm — ChristmasWalk 5:30 pm — Lighted Christmas Parade 1 pm to 3 pm — Santa at the Courthouse DECLARATIONS of Independence, Fall/Winter 2017 4 CHRISTMAS WALK 2017 Happy Holidays, Independence! Sponsored by the City of Independence and the Independence Business Association Kick the weekend off right with Friday’s festivities. Come back on Saturday for more fun at the ChristmasWalk!! ChristmasWalk Schedule of Events FRIDAY, DEC. 1 SATURDAY, DEC. 2 Come celebrate the pageant’s mission to empower and encourage young women who inspire each other with positive influences to be the change to lead the way! The pageant is open to young women ages 16 to 21 who reside in Independence or attend or have graduated from an Independence school.Multiple scholarships will be awarded ranging from $250 to $1,000. No pageant experience necessary, however, well-rounded contestants with a strong community service history are encouraged.Everyoneiswelcometoattend. No admission charge, but unwrapped toys for the Steinford Toy Foundation are accepted.All funds raised benefit the Simon Kenton Family Resource Center. Download registration forms at www.indepba.org. Photo courtesy of Marc Figgins/Downtown Atwood Photo Photo courtesy of Marc Figgins/Downtown Atwood Photo Photo courtesy of Greg Corwin