Downtown Fort Dodge will soon be the site of some holiday happenings.

On Saturday, Main Street Fort Dodge and participating businesses will mark the shopping date known as Small Business Saturday with special promotions.

Then on Monday, Santa Claus will arrive in the city. He will light up some downtown decorations and pose for photos with his young admirers.

Small Business Saturday

On Saturday, the first 40 people to check in around 10 a.m. at Green State Credit Union, 1207 Central Ave., will receive Merry Money. That Merry Money is a $25 gift certificate that can be used at participating downtown merchants on Saturday.

Shoppers must be at least 18 to receive Merry Money.

These gift certificates are sponsored by Green State Credit Union and Main Street Fort Dodge.

Santa Family Fun Night

The jolly old elf is scheduled to arrive at the Fort Dodge City Square at 5 p.m. Monday. There, he and Mayor Matt Bemrich will turn on the holiday lights at the gazebo.

Then the festive delegation will proceed to Veterans Triangle at Central Avenue and 12th Street where Santa will light up the towering Christmas tree.

Santa will then adjourn to the Iowa State University Extension Office in the Wells Fargo Building, 822 Central Ave. There he will pose for photos.Children will be able to make some crafts and write letters to Santa.

Ardys Mae Coffee & Desserts will serve free hot chocolate in front of the Wells Fargo Building.

Santa will be present until 7 p.m.