Rangely chamber, rec center gear up for town’s Christmasfest

RANGELY I The Western Rio Blanco Metropolitan (WRBM) Recreation and Park District hosts a Charlie Brown-themed Christmasfest from Tuesday, Dec. 9 to Saturday, Dec. 13.
Tuesday morning kicks off the official activities with Christmasfest’s annual scavenger hunt. Beginning at 8 a.m., participants can pick up check sheets at the recreation center and head downtown to find clues describing where the Peanuts friends have gone. Play concludes Dec. 12 at noon, with the first five people returning with all clues winning a prize.
On Wednesday evening, judges will choose business and residential winners of the annual Light Up Rangely contest. Last year’s selections fit a variety of categories, from “The Griswolds” to “Most Elegant/Classic.”
WRBM aquatics/recreation director Camilla Kennedy said similar categories may apply this year, with cash prizes going to winners.
Next, WRBM invites children and parents to the rec center Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. for free gingerbread man decorating with the gingerbread made this year by Dreamday Creations’ Kristi Boydstun.
Friday night is Shopping in Charlie Brown Town with participating businesses from 6 to 8 p.m. Starting at 6 p.m., free horse-drawn carriage rides – with enough room to fit several families – will be offered by Absolute Prestige Limousine Service out of Grand Junction. The carriage will leave from the West End Drive-In and should be a highlight of this year’s Christmasfest, Kennedy said.
“(Aquatics/recreation supervisor assistant) Kirsten (Cushman) and I are pumped about the carriage rides,” Kennedy said. “We’ve ridden them in downtown (Grand) Junction and they’re amazing.”
Finally, to join in some traditional Christmas caroling Friday evening, head over to Colorado CPA on Main Street at 6 p.m.
Throughout Christmasfest, several Rangely Area Chamber of Commerce member businesses will also offer in-store discounts or specials, chamber director Kristin Steele said. A new incentive program offered by the chamber and WRBM involves visiting participating businesses with a punchcard, getting at least 70 percent of the card filled out and being entered for a prize drawing.
Punchcards will be available Monday at the chamber office in Town Hall and at the recreation center, with community members able to earn punches Tuesday through Saturday. Completed cards are due to the chamber by 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 15.
Saturday’s Christmasfest activities have changed to new venues. Breakfast With Santa begins at 8 a.m. at the recreation center this year instead of at Blue Mountain Inn and Suites. Santa will hear from children and give gifts while families enjoy a hot breakfast then take home photos of Santa and their kids, Kennedy said.
Saturday afternoon’s events happen in the Rangely Junior/Senior High School lower commons this year instead of the college’s Colorado Room. From noon to 5 p.m., vendors will offer home décor, cosmetics, whole foods, jewelry and baked goods, and at 1 p.m., children can bring their creations from Friday’s gingerbread decorating or from home for the gingerbread man contest judging.
At 1:30 p.m., Christmasfest’s Senior King and Queen will be crowned. Voters have until Wednesday to nominate community members aged 65 and older as this year’s royalty. Drop votes off at boxes in the recreation center, NAPA Auto Parts, the Radino Senior Center, Eagle Crest Assisted Living or Rangely District Hospital.
The Snowflake Baby Contest returns at 2 p.m. with children from birth to age five donning their holiday best (costumed or dressy) for prizes and adoration.
The annual Parade of Lights begins Saturday at 6 p.m. The route begins on Stanolind Avenue and ends at the Rangely Rural Fire Protection District Fire Hall on Nichols Street. Following the parade, community members are invited back to the RJSHS commons for a 7 p.m. chili dinner to benefit Rangely resident Jennifer Goddard. All donations will be accepted.
Finally, at 7:30 p.m. in the school auditorium, parents and supporters will enjoy WRBM’s free winter dance recital.
For questions or more information, contact the recreation center at 675-8211.