MATTAWA — The residents of Mattawa will honor Jesus with a Mattawa Community Christmas Celebration Friday, Dec. 18, and the price of admission will be free – sort of.

“The spirit of service and compassion to each other at this event is the only fee,” said organizing director John Turley, Mattawa’s Chief of Police.

This is a new festival. It is a brainchild of Turley’s and Grant County Fire District No. 8 (Mattawa) Chief Dave Patterson.

The Mattawa Community Christmas Celebration will open with a parade down Government Way. The parade participants will stage at the east end of town, thanks to the East Columbia Irrigation District.

Santa Claus will be there, but not his reindeer. Santa said they rest a lot in December to save energy for the big ride on Dec. 24.

At the parade, Santa will ride atop a decorated fire truck provided by Fire District No. 8. He’ll be bringing gifts for the little ones.

Area farmers and town residents are encouraged to decorate – with colorful lighting – tractors, trucks, cars or anything else they want to ride, maybe even horses.

The parade will go down Government Road to Hund Memorial Park. There area residents will be given the opportunity to enjoy hot chocolate, coffee, cookies of every variety and the spirit of Christmas.

The park activities will include a Christmas tree lighting. The tree was donated by the Wahluke Enrichment Organization.

There will be a community living manger scene provided by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Area church and school choirs will sing Christmas songs in English and Spanish.

And, of course, Santa Claus will be there with several elves to listen to the small children’s wishes.