ChristmasFest will kick off on Thursday, with the Sample the Season event downtown.

Businesses will be handing out samples of favorite holiday goodies and refreshments, so folks can get a taste of the holiday season while doing a bit of shopping.

The event, which will run from 5-7 p.m., is hosted by the Powell Economic Partnership (PEP) and the Chamber of Commerce. Shoppers are asked to start the event at the chamber’s table, which will be set up in front of The Commons. The chamber will hand out free shopping bags, which will be stuffed with specials for that night, a map of the more than two dozen participating Powell businesses and local coupons.

“It’s our way of kicking off the holiday season, but also to encourage community members to do their holiday shopping locally,” said Jennifer Tippetts, PEP community relations and tourism manager.

The event has been approved by Park County Public Health and shoppers are encouraged to wear masks and practice social distancing.

ChristmasFest will continue with Cocoa and Caroling, on Friday, Dec. 4, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Plaza Diane, followed by the Lighting of Plaza Diane’s Enchanted Forest at 6:15 p.m. On Saturday, Dec. 5, Stomp & Company and Absaroka Mountain Thunder will present Clogging Downtown, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the Parade of Lights will begin at 5:30 p.m.