The "Holidays in Powell" tradition will continue this year from noon to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, in the municipal building and parking lot, 47 Hall St.

"It is another family-friendly event that helps to create the wonderful quality of life that one enjoys when living in Powell," said Anna Steck, executive director of Historic Downtown Powell Inc., which hosts the event. "Over 700 local family members attended in 2008."

Free activities inside the municipal building will include visiting Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves and taking keepsake photos with Santa; listening to holiday stories; making ornaments, cards, gift bags, garland and noodle necklaces; and receiving candy canes, tattoos, face painting, and a child safety ID kit.

Activities in the municipal parking lot will include free rides around downtown on the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium trolley, various musical performances, and concessions of soup, kettle corn and other hot foods.

Steck said a highlight of the day will be the tree lighting ceremony with Santa and mayor Tom Counts, which will occur at 5:30 p.m. by the amphitheater in the Village Green Park, next to the municipal building.

The community also may donate food to the Holiday Clearing House program of People in Need (PIN), a nonprofit organization in Delaware County that helps people who are experiencing hard times.

Kevin Crowley, executive director of PIN, told ThisWeek nearly 500 families consisting of 1,134 children and 491 adults are registered to receive help. In addition, 171 senior citizens confined to their homes are registered to receive help.

"We are expecting the 55th Clearing House to be the biggest in our history," Crowley said. "The program has grown into a much-anticipated community event assisting hundreds of families with new toys, gifts, gift certificates, food and clothing ... to bring the joys of the season to the less fortunate."

Holidays in Powell is co-sponsored by Kiwanis Club of Powell and the city of Powell. For more information, contact Steck with Historic Downtown Powell Inc. at (614) 396-3336 or at asteck@ hdpinc.org.

For more information about People In Need call (740) 363-6284 or visit www.delawarepeopleinneed.org.