Historic Downtown Snoqualmie will be playing make-believe this weekend, as it brings to life the pages of a holiday-themed book.

Pages of “Storybook Snoqualmie – Comfort and Joy” – an original story written and illustrated by Snoqualmie Pie Co. co-owner Katie Podschwit – will be posted on the windows of 17 different locations throughout downtown this Saturday (Dec. 16) as part of an interactive story walk.

Beginning on the backside of Down to Earth Flowers and Gifts, participants will walk through downtown Snoqualmie, reading the pages of “Snoqualmie Storybook,” while participating in crafts, giveaways and other family-friendly activities.

The book, created by Podschwit for this event, tells the story of Squeaky the squirrel who has lost his mitten, and alongside Alarah the deer, backtracks through a fictionalized-Snoqualmie to find it.

Podschwit came up with the idea after Aleks Kokeza, general manger of Snoqualmie Falls Brewery, suggested a window-walk for the holidays. The idea was each business would paint its windows to tell a comprehensive story. Then in October, Podschwit decided “she’d “just write a book instead.”

The storybook walk is one of several weekend events the Downtown Snoqualmie Merchants Association has put on during the month of December. It’s an effort they hope will encourage residents to spend time downtown and shop local this holiday season.

Between Small Business Saturday on Nov. 25 and the last Saturday before Christmas on Dec. 23, downtown Snoqualmie has had an event each Saturday hoping to bring in shoppers. Dickens’s Carolers have been present every weekend alongside a visit from Santa and hot chocolate stands. The storybook comes during the third weekend in December, a time during the holiday season when sales are generally lower, Podschwit said.

But beyond the financial benefits, Podschwit notes it’s exciting to have the storybook as a non-shopping-based event. Stores will be open during the event, but no purchase is required to participate.

“We’re just trying to make it inviting for people to come out,” she said. “We want people to shop, obviously, but we also want to have a community event.”

Check it out

The Storybook Snoqualmie interactive walk will happen from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 16. It begins at the backside of Down to Earth Flowers and Gifts (8096 Railroad Avenue, Snoqualmie). The first 250 families to arrive will receive a free copy of “Storybook Snoqualmie.”