By JESSALYN KIRCHHOFF
Tiger Media Network
Frost Fest is an annual tradition in Hays that takes place over the month of November, with a slight carryover into December. Many local businesses participate in the festivities during the month, but this weekend, the Hays Public Library will have a number of events.
Samantha Gill, the public services manager for the HPL, speaks on the specifics of the weekend’s first event, the Come and Go Breakfast with Santa.
“All ages of guests are welcome,” she said. “No tickets are needed and the first 250 people will get a grab-and-go breakfast sack. The breakfast and all of the activities that the HPL are hosting this weekend are free to attendees.”
As for the day’s second event, Gill reveals that Santa will be reading ‘The Great Santa Stake Out’ by Betsy Bird.
Finally, for the last event on Saturday, Gill describes this year’s craft.
“The craft portion will include Christmas cares, light bulb suncatcher ornaments, scratch art, stockings, and coloring.”
Callie Kolacny, the communications coordinator for the HPL, clarifies that while The Frost Fest Parade is not a library event and is put on by the Downtown Hays Development Corporation, the library will have a float created by the Teen Advisory Board.
Adding to Kolacny’s statement, Gill gives background into the HPL’s participation in Frost Fest and the parade over the years.
“We’ve participated in the parade since its existence (20+ years),” Gill said. “We’ve hosted events at the library for just about as long.”
Kolacny closes with remarks about the overall purpose of this event.
“Frost Fest is a fun event for the whole family,” she said. “It’s an opportunity for the community to come together to celebrate the Christmas season.”
HPL Frost Fest Activities
Saturday, December 09, 2023 @ Hays Public Library Schmidt Gallery
- 9:00 -11:00 am – Come and Go Breakfast with Santa (no registration required)
- 10:00 am – Story with Santa – Children’s Department
- 1:00-4:00 pm – Holiday Crafts
Sunday, December 10, 2023 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
- 5:00 pm – Library Closes
- 5:30 pm – Library Opens for Parade Viewing and Hot Cocoa
- 6:00 pm – Frost Fest Parade