Get out, get going

Snow in your boots

The first day of sledding each winter is second only to Christmas morning on most children’s excitement meter. In recent winters, sledding days have been almost as scarce as a snowman in July, but this winter is off to a promising start.

The snow has been falling steadily and Valley Mission Park will be the place to be this weekend. Don’t worry if you don’t have a classic Flexible Flyer in the garage. Use a toboggan, saucer or a disc, even a piece of cardboard will do.

Just remember sledding hill etiquette. Don’t run anyone over on the way down. Get off to the side before hiking back up. Dress warmly, because you will get wet. Take turns if there is a line. Shrieking in delight is permitted, along with yelling and laughing. Top off the experience with a steaming cup of hot chocolate and you have an experience worthy of Norman Rockwell.

The park is at 11123 E. Mission Ave., between Pines Road and University.

A Fairfield Christmas

The small town of Fairfield south of the Valley will draw Christmas craft fans to its annual “Old Fashioned Christmas” craft show today. There will be little bit of everything – live Christmas music and a visit from Santa in addition to baked goods and craft items. The sale is from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fairfield Community Center, also known as the old Grange Hall.

The show is a fund-raiser for the Community Center. Fairfield is a short drive south on Highway 27 from the Valley. The center is on Main Street.

Breakfast with Santa

There will be a lot more than scrambled eggs and pancakes on the menu this morning at the Spokane Rotary Club’s breakfast with Santa from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Central Valley High School, 821 S. Sullivan Road. There will also be children’s games, activities, face painting, balloon clowns, crafts and more. And if jolly old St. Nick wasn’t enough, mascots from the Spokane Chiefs, IHOP, Red Robin and Old Country Buffet will be there. Bring your little ones and your camera to capture all the Kodak moments.