MEEKER | It’s that time of year! Once you’ve gobbled up the turkey and stuffed yourself with stuffing, the Christmas season, with all its parties, events and activities gets underway.
The annual Parade of Lights and downtown tree lighting ceremony is Wednesday, Dec. 4 beginning at 5:30 p.m. Along with the parade and the tree lighting, there will be fireworks, Christmas carols at the Meeker Hotel and cookies and cocoa.
Santa is coming to town on Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Fairfield Center. He’s expected to fly in and enjoy a free breakfast provided by the ERBM Rec and Park District and served by the Meeker Lions Club at 8:30 a.m. and he’ll stay until 11 a.m. to hear everyone’s Christmas lists.
After chatting with Santa, head to the 4-H Community Building for the annual Farmers Market Holiday Extravaganza. This year 38 vendors will be in attendance with gifts galore for all ages. Festivities will continue until 6 p.m. with a chili/soup cook-off, a beer garden, live music, ornament making for kids, cornhole Santa, a wreath silent auction and more.
Finish your evening with the Jingle Mingle, a fundraiser for Pioneers Healthcare Foundation at Buffalo Hall, 285 6th Street. The event begins at 6 p.m.
Horizons is hosting a holiday wreath making workshop Sunday, Dec. 8 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Meeker Coworking Space. Decorate your own holiday wreath with the help of Annie from Flora Bellas. Drinks and desserts provided by Wendll’s, Blanco Cellars and Ma Famiglia. Wreaths are $40 and all proceeds benefit Rio Blanco Early Intervention and Family Support. RSVP on Eventbrite by Dec. 1. For more info, contact Sarah Grimes, [email protected] or 541-670-8457.
By NIKI TURNER | [email protected]
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RANGELY | Holiday traditions are an important part to building a strong bond between family, and our community. They give us a sense of belonging and a way to express what is important to us. Rangely’s Christmasfest is no exception. Fast becoming a holiday kickoff tradition within our beautiful community, Christmasfest is a time for Rangely residents to gather with family, friends, and neighbors. The Western Rio Blanco Metropolitan Recreation and Park District along with the Rangely Area Chamber of Commerce plans many special activities that will get everyone into the holiday spirit.
The festivities begin with the Chamber’s Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt contest in local businesses. This fun event runs from Nov. 29-Dec. 14. Snickerdoodle the Elf will be hidden around participating Rangely businesses. Residents are encouraged to find and take a photo with him and post it on the “Rangely’s Elf on the Shelf” Facebook group for one contest entry. For a second contest entry they can take a photo of themselves with a receipt from a purchase at that business and post it on the Facebook group.
On Thursday, Dec. 12, Rangely really shines with Light Up Rangely. Christmas lights judging will take place from 6-10 p.m. that evening. The Chamber also holds a holiday window and Christmas tree decorating contests. These contests will be judged “people’s choice style” on Wednesday, Dec. 11 and Thursday, Dec. 12 by Facebook vote. The winners will be announced on Saturday, Dec. 14. On Friday, Dec. 13 enjoy free carriage rides, a chili dinner, and s’mores (donated by Wildlife Expressions Taxidermy) around a campfire at 1485 La Mesa Circle from 5-8 p.m.
A busy final day is planned for Saturday, Dec. 14 with the Breakfast with Santa event beginning at 8 a.m. at the Rangely Recreation Center. The Snowflake Baby Contest begins at 11 a.m. in the Rangely Jr./Sr. High School auditorium for children 0-5 years old, followed by Santa’s Christmas Cookie Decorating at 2 p.m. during the high school basketball games. The Parade of Lights theme this year is The Nightmare Before Christmas, lineup is at 5:30 p.m. on Stanolind Avenue, the parade begins at 6 p.m.
If that’s not enough holiday cheer, the conclusion of the festival is a holiday concert for the whole family on Saturday evening at the Rangely Jr./Sr. High School Auditorium featuring acapella group Vocalocity beginning at 7 p.m. Even the Grinch enjoys Christmasfest and you will too. For more information about contests or Christmasfest events please contact the Western Rio Blanco Metropolitan Recreation and Park District at 970-675-8211.
By ROXIE FROMANG | Special to the Herald Times
