by Jan Cox
Each year, as winter sets in, our days and evenings are brightened by the many festivities that take place between Thanksgiving and New Years. This year is no exception. Beginning in late November there are many venues that bring holiday cheer, no matter where you live. Here are just a few to pick from.
Christmas Faires
In Eastern Plumas County, The Mohawk Artist’s Guild Christmas Faire will be held on Friday Nov. 27 and Saturday, Nov. 28, beginning at 10 am. The purpose of this guild is to raise funds to support art and music in the schools. A large variety of vendors will be selling their arts and crafts at the Community Resource Center at the corner of Hwys 70 and 89 by Graeagle. Refreshments will be served. There will be a raffle with prizes. Proceeds from this juried show and from the spring show go to Quincy and Portola High Schools, Carmichael Elementary and the pre-schools in Graeagle and Portola as well as Plumas Charter School for their art and music programs. The guild and its members also support Plumas Arts. For more information call Marian Haid at 530-836-1399.
In Susanville, the public is invited to the Lassen County Fair, Christmas Craft Fair on Friday, December 4 from 5-9 PM and Saturday, December 5 from 10-3. Last year this craft fair attracted over 2,000 people and was held in three separate buildings on the fairgrounds. Visitors were shuttled up and down the midway to the different buildings. A local group will be running a food concession stand for visitors and crafters to enjoy. For those who would like to participate in the craft fair, applications may be downloaded at www.lassencountyfair.org/CRAFTFAIR.asp and returned to them by Nov. 20th, 2009. Or call 530-251-8900 for more information.
In Chester, The Bailey Creek Boutiquers will be holding their annual craft
fair at the Elks Lodge on Main Street in Chester on Saturday, November 28. This was my favorite fair last year for several reasons. Twelve women from Bailey Creek, who love to make crafts, decided that they wanted a project that was fun for themselves and that would also benefit the community. As a result, they have kept prices low and included many articles that children can buy for their parents for Christmas, starting at 50 cents. They also give a percentage of the profits to the Angel Tree Program which collects money and provides baskets of food, clothing, and toys for those in need. Articles for sale include holiday gifts, cards, delicious homemade baked goods and candy with samples available, jewelry, hand knitted scarves and hats and artwork. Suzanne Newman will also have a makeup and skin care booth with demonstrations.
Musical Celebrations
Susanville, CA is the site of the “Magical Country Christmas Parade” in Historic Uptown Susanville. On December 5, local musical talent will begin the evening followed by the lighted Christmas parade ending at the Elks Lodge at the top of Main Street. Here Santa will light the town Christmas Tree followed by a fireworks display. The parade begins at 5:30 sharp with tree lighting at 6 p.m. For more information you may call the Chamber of Commerce at 530-257-4323 or log onto www.lassencountychamber.org
The Susanville Symphony will bring the Christmas spirit alive with this year’s world premier of Maestro Benjamin Wade’s original arrangement of the “Twelve Days of Christmas”. Other traditional favorites include Winter Wonderland, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Overture to the Miracle on 34th Street and other seasonal favorites. Tickets may be purchased for performances on either Friday, Dec. 11, at 7 PM or Sunday, Dec. 13 at 2:30 PM at Susanville Assembly of God Church. Information on all performances by the symphony can be found at www.susanvillesymphony.com.
In Chester, CA, the Chester Community Chorus will be performing their annual Christmas concert on Dec. 4, 5 and 6 entitled “We Wish You a Merry Madrigal”. The repertoire for this concert will include a mixture of light madrigal music, traditional music with a new touch, and some new pieces. Some of the music will be sung in other languages including Pasko Na Naman, a Filipino song from Director Elsie Wesley’s native country that reflects a holiday spirit filled with excitement and anticipation . The performing groups include the Chorus, Chorale, Kindred Spirits, NEWGEN, Handbell Ensemble, and special performances of solo flute with piano, a vocal solo and interpretive dance. The Friday and Saturday concerts begin at 7 PM and Sunday matinee begins at 3 PM. There is no charge for the concerts but donations are always appreciated. Come early for a good seat.
Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Santa keeps very busy here in the mountains. Not only will he be at Susanville for the lighting of the tree and the Magical Country Christmas Parade on December 5 but he will also be at the following places.
Chester, CA will celebrate Santa’s return on November 27 with their annual Merchants Night and Light Parade. This is holiday fun for friends and families. Merchants stay open with holiday goodies and sales. There will be bonfires, caroling, Christmas tree lighting and a light parade. Festivities take place between 5 and 9 pm. The whole family will enjoy coming out to welcome in the holiday season. Call Chester/Lake Almanor Chamber of Commerce for further info at (530) 258-2426.
Westwood, CA will see Santa on December 5 at the Community Center on Ash Street. After the tree lighting, visitors will have a chance to welcome Santa, have some hot chocolate and cookies while the Westwood Family Resource Center gifts each child with a new children’s book. To find out more, call Westwood Chamber of Commerce at (530) 256-2456.
If you visit downtown Graegle, CA between 1 and 5 PM on December 5, you will have a chance to visit the little red houses, have your picture taken with Santa and also ride through town in the horse-drawn trolley. For more information call (530) 836-2712.
Portola, CA will have a festive tree lighting ceremony and bonfire on Commercial Street on December 4 and on December 5 you can visit with Santa at the Portola Railroad Museum and have some hot chocolate and other refreshments. If you miss Santa on December 5, he will return here on December 12! For more information on the Santa Train, call (530) 832-4141.
Be sure and check out the Calendar of Events in the back of this magazine for further information on all the festivities in this area including Chico, Redding, and Reno. Happy Holidays!
