Fire & Ice Festival: What you need to know

CEDAR RAPIDS — With the holidays looming, downtown Cedar Rapids is poised to transform into a winter wonderland. The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance presents the annual Fire & Ice Festival Saturday with holiday themed activities for all ages. Here's what you need to know:

Q: When does the festival begin?

A: The main festival gets underway at 4 p.m. Saturday with a Santa Claus and reindeer meet-and-greet at the Cedar Rapids Public Library, 450 Fifth Ave. SE.

Q: Is there a parade this year?

A: Yes. The annual Holiday DeLight Parade steps off at 6 p.m. Saturday. The parade route starts at Sixth Street and Third Avenue SE, travels north to Second Avenue SE, then west to Second Street SE before heading south and ending at Third Avenue and Fifth Street SE.

Q: Is the parade being televised?

A: Yes, but not live. Mediacom is filming the parade for a series of telecasts that start at noon Sunday. Mediacom subscribers can tune in on MC22, or channels 822 or 22. The parade airs again at the following times: 11 p.m. Monday; 6 p.m. Wednesday; 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 8; and 5 a.m. Dec. 11.

Q: Will any other events be affiliated with the festival?

A: Yes. Several events are planned and a full schedule is available at cedarrapids.orgHere are just a few of the affiliated events on tap:

— Screening of 'Miracle on 34th Street' at 6 p.m. Friday at NewBo City Market, 1100 Third St. SE.

— Cedar Rapids Area Merry TubaChristmas concert at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Cedar Rapids Public Library.

— Charlie Brown Christmas Open House, part of the Waypoint Wonderland, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Waypoint Services, 318 Fifth St. SE. Members of the community are encouraged to bring an unwrapped holiday gift donation for a family in need. Children's crafts and refreshments are on tap.

— Heartland Marimba concert at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, 410 Third Ave. SE.

— Not So Silent Night Caroling Competition from 4 to 5 p.m. Saturday in Greene Square, between the Cedar Rapids Public Library and Museum of Art. Groups of four or more are invited to perform holiday songs. Singers of all talent levels are welcome. Groups are invited to engage the crowd — the judges — through songs, bribes of candy or cocoa or costumes. To participate, register here.

Q: What about The Five Trees for the Seasons?

A: Five districts around Cedar Rapids are lighting trees this year as part of The Five Trees for the Season. The first tree lighting, in Kingston Village, took place Wednesday and the second, in the MedQuarter District, took place Thursday. Here is a list of the other ceremonies:

— NewBo District — 5:30 p.m. Friday at NewBo City Market, 1100 Third St. SE.

— Czech Village — 6:30 p.m. Friday. Meet at the Artisan's Sanctuary, 45 16th Ave. SW, for a candlelight walk to the tree.

— Downtown — 5 p.m. Saturday at Greene Square, across from the Cedar Rapids Public Library.

Q: What is the weather forecast for Friday and Saturday?

A: According to the National Weather Service, Friday's forecast calls for mostly cloudy skies throughout the day with a high of 38 degrees and a low of 26 degrees. Saturday's forecast calls for mostly cloudy skies during the day with a high of 39 degrees and a chance of snow at night with a low of 31 degrees.