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Upcoming holiday events abound |
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Wednesday, 05 December 2007 |
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Register Staff 12-4-2007
The communities of the Eastern Sierra are invited to come out for some holiday merrymaking in the form of parades, social gatherings, Christmas music and more.
From Lone Pine to Bishop there is something for everyone this holiday season.
Seasonal events will kick off on Friday, Dec. 7 at 5 p.m. with the annual Bishop Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
This Eastern Sierra holiday tradition includes an opportunity for youngsters to give the big man himself their latest wish-list items.
In addition to an appearance by Santa, the Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce-sponsored event will also feature carolers, hot chocolate and cookies. The tree lighting will take place some time after 5:30 p.m. in the Bishop City Park.
Following the tree-lighting ceremony, the Chamber has organized another Bishop Street of Lights. On this one night a year, local store owners on Main Street will keep their doors open late to allow residents to get plenty of Christmas shopping done on Friday.
Local businesses who do not have a Main Street location are welcome to set up a booth near one of the Bishop Volunteer Fire Department burn barrels to sell their wares during the Street of Lights.
The Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce will have a drawing at the conclusion of the Street of Lights. As residents stroll down Main Street, they can get their Street of Lights maps stamped by local businesses and turn them in to the Chamber to enter the drawing.
The Street of Lights is a festive holiday treat. The Bishop Volunteer Fire Department sets up street-corner burn barrels to help shoppers keep warm, local businesses prepare hot chocolate and cookies and turn their store heaters up for shoppers, and carollers stroll the streets spreading holiday joy.
The following morning, bright and early, the Bishop Christmas Parade will meander down Main Street with dozens of local entries and Christmas floats.
Local crowds start lining up early on Saturday morning to grab good seats for this annual holiday favorite.
The parade will begin at 10 a.m.
The Inyo County Animal Shelter will be walking some merry pound pups in this year’s parade. After the parade, the shelter employees will take the pups to Pet Friendzy on Line Street and provide an opportunity for residents to meet and greet the dogs – and maybe even take one home.
Following the Bishop Christmas Parade, Altrusa of the Eastern Sierra has a special treat for local youngsters.
All families are invited to head over to the front gazebo in the park directly following the parade to meet Santa Claus. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be handing out candy canes and a new, age-appropriate book to all the good boys and girls who tell him what they want for Christmas.
Altrusa will also be selling hot chocolate, apple cider, cookies and popcorn.
The following week, Bishop will host another tree-lighting, this one in memory of local residents, friends and family members who cannot be here this Christmas.
The Hospice of the Owens Valley will be lighting up the tree in Talmage Park on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 5 p.m. The Hospice is currently selling bulbs to local residents. Each bulb on the tree will represent a dedication from one person to another. The bulbs cost $10 each and are available through the Hospice of the Owens Valley.
Down in Big Pine, residents will be celebrating the annual Hook Hermann Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 9 at 5 p.m.
The Big Pine Civic Club has arranged for Christmas caroling, a visit from Santa, who will have gift stockings for boys and girls, refreshments and an all around good time.
At the southern end of the county, Lone Pine will be hosting its annual parade and a holiday art show. Independence, of course, will be hosting the internationally acclaimed Fruitcake Festival.
The annual Lone Pine Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, Dec. 8 at 1 p.m. on Main Street in Lone Pine. This year’s theme is “Cowboy Christmas.”
Sign-up applications for parade entries in Lone Pine are available at the Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce or by calling (760) 876-4444.
Following the parade Barbara Leechman will be hosting an art show at the Forum Theater in Lone Pine. The show will be held from 1-9 p.m., with a reception from 3-5 p.m.
The show will feature works by local artists, some famous, some infamous. Art work will be on sale, giving residents the perfect opportunity to pick up some holiday gifts.
Residents can get a unique taste of the holiday spirit on Monday, Dec. 17 at 6:30 p.m. with the third annual Independence Fruitcake Festival, an internationally acclaimed, one-of-a-kind event. The Fruitcake Festival is open for all residents to bring their favorite fruitcake or egg nog to share. The Indy Fruit ’n Nut Pickers will be at the festival this year providing festive Christmas tunes.
Also on tap this holiday season is the traditional tale of “The Nutcracker” and an “Irish Christmas in America” show.
The Nutcracker presentation is a collaborative effort between the Felici Piano Trio and Susan Powell’s ballet studio. The show will be held on Friday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. at Bishop Union High School. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students. Purchase tickets at the Inyo Council for the Arts or the Access Business Center.
Irish Christmas in America is a show featuring traditional music, song, dance and narration from the emerald isle that will be held at Bishop Union High School on Sunday, Dec. 9 at 4 p.m. The cost is $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. For more information, call the Inyo Council for the Arts at (760) 873-8014.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 29 January 2008 )
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