College Place proclaims Law Enforcement Appreciation Day; city recaps Winter Fest

At the Jan. 6 council workshop, Mayor Norma Hernandez presented a proclamation designating Jan. 9, 2026, as Law Enforcement Appreciation Day in College Place, recognizing local officers for community service and citing national organizations that support the observance.

Staff then reviewed the city's recent Winter Fest, noting strong attendance, live music, face painting, a gingerbread-house competition and Santa and a Grinch appearance. Organizers moved parade staging one block to the west on College Avenue to avoid construction and reduce conflict with Andy's Market parking; signage declaring "no event parking" was added to help local customers.

Staff also recounted a brief parade interruption when an inflatable plane's wings folded near a mid-block crossing; staff and public-safety personnel responded quickly and officials reported no injuries or infrastructure damage.

The mayor and staff thanked volunteers and department heads who attended the workshop to welcome new council members and support the event recaps.