Beaumont Blizzard Bash, Holiday Light Parade, Operation Santa: Dec. 9

BEAUMONT, CA — For those in the holiday mood, Saturday, Dec. 9 is a big day in Beaumont. Here's what to know at a glance:

To kick things off, expect sirens. From 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., the Beaumont Police Department will host its annual Shop With A Cop event. Firetrucks and police officers will be escorting children from the city of Banning to Walmart for a shopping spree — lights and sirens on.

The inaugural Blizzard Bash is next on tap. The event runs from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Beaumont Civic Center. It features a Holiday Market where shoppers can find handmade gifts from local businesses. Additionally, several local food vendors will be onsite serving up the best eats in town as part of a Food Trucks Festival.

The bash also features:

• Free visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus: 1-4 p.m.
• Ice Skating: Test your skills on a 40-foot x 20-foot synthetic ice rink. Skates are provided.
• Snowzilla Jr.: Climb 20 feet of inflatable rugged terrain. At the top of your hike, descend on a 50-foot slide. Beneath the massive winter-themed slide is an enclosed "jumping area moonwalk."

Bash music entertainment schedule:

• 12:30 p.m. - Highland Academy Choir
• 1 p.m. - Three Rings Choir
• 1:30 p.m. - Starlight Superstars
• 2-3 p.m. - Foam Party
• 3:30 - ReVertigo (U2 Tribute)

Saturday's cornerstone event is the Holiday Light Parade, which begins at 5 p.m. at the intersection of 10th Street and Beaumont Avenue. Viewing areas are available along the parade route with the announcers’ booth located at the Beaumont Civic Center.

Road closures for the parade route:

• Beaumont Avenue – between 12th Street and 6th Street
• 6th Street – between Beaumont Avenue and Palm Avenue
• 7th Street – between Magnolia Avenue and Orange Avenue

Finally, Operation Santa will get underway immediately following the parade. Beaumont police and friends from Festive Fire Engines will be escorting Santa to various neighborhoods in the city as he makes his way back to the North Pole in time for Christmas. Read more about Operation Santa and the Jolly Fellow's route here.