Snow along Columbia River sets mood for Winter Wonderland events

By Tri-City Herald staff

Updated December 1, 2023 5:04 PM

A statue of children on a tricycle near the Columbia Point Marina was covered in snow Friday morning. Cory McCoy

Richland parks employees got a snowy surprise as they readied for the city’s annual Christmas festivities this weekend.

Christmas lights and artwork along the Riverfront Trail were covered in fresh powder Friday morning.

Lingering snow from a healthy dusting at Howard Amon Park will help set the mood for the annual Lighted Christmas Boat Parade and kick off Richland’s month-long Winter Wonderland and Dancing Lights celebrations.

The Riverfront Trail in Richland is turned into a winter wonderland thanks to overnight and early morning snow ahead of annual Christmas festivities at nearby Howard Amon Park Dec. 1 and 2. Cory McCoy

Parks employees were putting final touches on lights from Howard Amon Park up to John Dam Plaza, while pyrotechnic professionals set up for Friday night’s fireworks show.

The Tri-Cities saw about 1.5 inches of snow on Friday.

Richland’s celebration includes events every weekend at John Dam Plaza.

Food vendors, live music, dancing lights and more are planned every Friday and Saturday through Dec. 23 from 5 to 9 p.m., with Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the plaza 6 to 8 p.m.

For more information, visit RichlandParksAndRec.com

Richland’s Winter Wonderland village got a seasonally fitting dusting of snow Friday morning ahead of the Christmas festivities kick off. Cory McCoy

This story was originally published December 1, 2023 at 12:57 PM.

Get one year of unlimited digital access for $159.99

#ReadLocal