Minerva’s Downtown Wonderland Christmas celebration will kick off with the Christmas parade at 3 pm on Saturday, Dec. 1. The parade begins at Minerva Elementary School, proceeds up Bonnieview to Line Street to North Market Street, ending at Rt. 30. Following the parade, Treat Trees, sponsored by area businesses and organizations with line the sidewalks, covered with treats for kids to take. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in the Roxy Theatre, hearing wishes and posing for free photos. Elsewhere downtown will be cookie decorating, a take-your-own photo booth, bowling, face painting, roasting marshmallows with Minerva’s firefighters, an ice-carving demonstration, a make-and-take ornament, a live Nativity, live music, hot cocoa, coffee, punch, and sales and drawings in downtown businesses. There will be a free raffle and, at 6 pm, one child will win a sled full of gifts and the opportunity to light the village Christmas tree. There will be caroling at the tree, which will be located next to the big cow, at 5:45 pm, before the drawing. All kids are invited to help count down to the lighting and to be part of a group photo with Santa at the tree.