The Christmas season in Sweet Home starts at 7:30 p.m. on Friday with the first of three performances by the Singing Christmas Tree – its 30th anniversary.
Themed “Christmas Through a Child’s Eyes,” Saturday’s events kick off with the annual Christmas parade at 11 a.m. The parade travels west on Long Street.
Immediately following the parade, Santa will be available for photos in the lobby of the high school auditorium.
The parade is followed by several bazaars, including sales by the Friends of the Library at the Sweet Home Public Library and by the Sweet Home Genealogical Society.
The Christmas tree lighting begins at 4 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce, with a tree donated by Cascade Timber Consulting and lights by the Sweet Home Active Revitalization Effort. The event includes entertainment and refreshments.
The Sweet Home Alumni Foundation will host its Eighth Annual Decorated Tree Auction, featuring the theme “Home Sweet Home for the Holidays” from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Sweet Home High School cafeteria, 1641 Long St.
Live decorated trees, sponsored and designed by generous businesses and individuals, will be available for bid.
A silent auction, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., will feature wreaths and centerpieces, baked goods, hand-crafted items and theme baskets. Other items for bid are a one-night stay at the Mill Casino, Oregon Jamboree tickets with “sweet spot” passes, Willamette Valley Vineyards group wine tour and tasting, a two-night stay at the Atlantis Resort in Reno and a one-night stay with dinner for two at Chinook Winds in Lincoln City.
The live portion of the Trees for Scholarships Auction will start at 7:15 p.m. The decorated trees will be on display from noon to 4 p.m.
The Sweet Home Fire Department’s annual Sharing Tree will be available at the auction location from noon until 8:30 p.m. for those interested in choosing a child’s name.
The $15 entry cost, payable at the door, includes a spread of holiday hors d’oeuvres and a festive punch.
All proceeds from the tree auction go to support college scholarships for Sweet Home High School graduating seniors.
The Singing Christmas Tree’s second show, themed “Christmas Through a Child’s Eyes,” starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Sweet Home High School auditorium, 1641 Long St.
The choral and Christmas light program is free to the public. Donations are accepted. The Singing Christmas Tree performance runs about two hours and takes place on an actual tree-shaped structure, dressed with real branches so it looks and smells like a real tree, which is about 20 feet tall.
It is produced by volunteers and has had singers ranging in age from 13 to 94.
The final performance of the weekend will be at 3 p.m. on Sunday.
During intermission, Santa will be available for children to visit.
Raffles feature a homemade quilt and a fully decorated Christmas tree, along with a variety of items donated by members of the Singing Christmas Tree and the community.
For more information or to donate to the tree and silent auction, call (541) 367-4968.
For information about the parade or Christmas tree lighting, call Sue Olson at (541) 367-4639 or Sherry Johnson at (541) 367-4639.