KINGSTON, N.Y. — Children in Kingston got into the holiday spirit at the Kingston Library Saturday afternoon, helping prepare for the Sinterklaas send off.

Children tied three wishes onto Sinterklaas branches, one for family, one for the community and one for the world.

Kids also made crowns, which they will wear while carrying the branches in next weekend’s Sinterklaas Send-Off parade.

The parade honors a tradition brought to the area by the Dutch over 300 years ago.

A producer for the annual Sinterklaas Send-Off hopes the event teaches children more about the traditional holiday celebration.

"It's just a way to get kids thinking creatively, telling them the story about Sinterklaas, the patron saint of children and it makes for a fun day," said Susie Linn, Co-Producer, Kingston Sinterklaas Send-Off Celebration. 

The send-off celebration kicks off at 11:00 a.m. at the Kingston Library Saturday, November 25, with festivities taking place throughout the day.