WATSONVILLE — Rain in the forecast for Saturday has dampened the city’s holiday plans.
The Multicultural Celebration that was scheduled for Saturday in the Watsonville Plaza has been canceled, city officials announced Thursday afternoon. The tree lighting ceremony has been pushed to Sunday at 5 p.m., during Snow Day in the plaza.
According to the National Weather Service, Watsonville is expected to receive about a quarter of an inch of rain in the morning, with a 20 percent chance of showers in the afternoon.
In an email, Watsonville-Santa Cruz JACL President Marcia Hashimoto said the rain and wind would have “made it impossible to set up our entertainment and activity booths.”
“We are disappointed about the cancellation but it is the right decision because of the forecast of rain,” she wrote.
Recreation Supervisor Israel Tirado said city officials met Thursday morning to decide how to proceed with the weekend events. adding that Saturday’s cancellation was made out of concern for safety.
Tirado said the goal of Sunday’s event is to not only celebrate the holiday season, but to bring families downtown to shop and dine local.
“We’re trying to bring celebration, family gatherings to downtown Watsonville,” he said. “We want to bring that vibe back to downtown.”
Snow Day will return on Sunday from 2-6 p.m. in the Watsonville Plaza after a multi-year hiatus, including a train ride around the plaza. The farmers market will also be up and running.
“It’s going to create a really cool, fun atmosphere out there,” Tirado said.
Admission to the snow is one non-perishable food item or monetary donation to Second Harvest Food Bank.
Wet weather or not, the weekend will still be filled with holiday events.
The 41st annual Heritage Holiday Craft & Fair will fill three buildings at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in what is sometimes referred to as the unofficial start of the holiday season in the Pajaro Valley.
The fair runs Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Organizer Ron Haedicke said this year is the “biggest ever,” with 140 vendors filling every space.
“Rain or shine, the buildings are warm and the vendors are ready to handle all your Christmas shopping,” he said.
Crafts, antiques, toys, food and many other items will be available for purchase.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For information, visit holiday.fairgrounds-foundation.org.
Nine businesses throughout Watsonville will offer discounts to shoppers on Saturday during the annual Holiday Factory Sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
American Hat Makers, Martinelli’s Company Store, Annieglass, Roche Leather Company and more will be joined by the El Pajaro CDC Kitchen Incubator and Environmental Science Workshop.
For information, visit www.watsonvillefactorysale.com.
Aptos Village Park’s annual Tree Lighting and Craft Fair is still set for Saturday, and will go on even if there is a light rain, said Karen Hibble, co-executive director of the Aptos Chamber of Commerce, which puts on the event.
The free event, running from 2-5 p.m. at the entrance to Aptos Village Park, will feature a visit from Santa Claus, Christmas carolers, dance performances, gifts for sale from a dozen local craft vendors, hot chocolate, coffee, cookies and more.
