By GARRETT NEESE

gneese@mininggazette.com

HANCOCK — Santa Claus and other Christmas attractions are returning to Hancock Friday night for the city’s 51st annual Christmas Walk.

For the first time, the city will close down five blocks of Quincy Street during the event, which lasts from 5 to 7 p.m.

“It has become a popular event, and it gets pretty tenuous in there,” city manager Mary Babcock said during Wednesday’s council meeting.

Santa will arrive in town between 5 and 5:15 during the opening parade, which will also include a fire truck, police cars and a float. The tree lighting will take place downtown across from city hall.

With no traffic down Quincy Street, it creates space for more events to happen, Babcock said.

Community Alliance for Progressive Education will have a spot set up for crafts. People can also warm themselves at fire barrels set up by the Hancock Fire Department, or by getting hot chocolate from one of the stations throughout downtown.

The traditional cookie decorating station by the Hancock Business Professionals Association will be at city hall. Kids will also be able to meet Santa to give him their Christmas requests.

Numerous local businesses will run promotional specials that night. First-time businesses include Quincy Footwear.

“We’re excited to see additional participants for the event,” Babcock said.

Dogsleds will return. With vehicle traffic shut down on Quincy Street, there will also be horse-drawn wagon rides.

The HBPA is also running a snowman contest with small businesses downtown.

“If people stop in a business, they get a stamp on a snowman sheet,” Babcock said. “If they fill it all up, there’ll be a drawing for a prize for the kids.”