It’s Christmas time in Sweet Home and things kicked off Saturday, Nov. 29, with the city Tree Lighting at City Hall. There’s a lot more to come and here are some events to look forward to and participate in:
Let It Glow Holiday Lights
Decorate your home — or nominate a festive favorite — to be included on a Holiday Lights Map produced by the Chamber of Commerce.
Each home entered is automatically added to a raffle for a gift card from local Realtor Karla Hogan. A raffle drawing will be held Dec. 20. No judging, just community cheer!
Register on the Chamber of Commerce website at
at www.sweethomechamber.com/events/eventcalendar.
Christmas bell ringers needed
Sweet Home Emergency Ministries is seeking bell ringers to staff Salvation Army donation buckets during the holiday season in Sweet Home.
Individuals, businesses, churches, civic groups or school groups are invited to sponsor a Tuesday or Saturday, through Dec. 20, at the Sweet Home Bi-Mart (west-end exit) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Four-hour slots can be divided up as sponsors wish, but they must be staffed during that period.
Proceeds go to SHEM programs that provide backpacks and supplies to local children in the fall.
SHEM staff will deliver and pick up the bell and kettle stand for each stint. Ringers are free to wear holiday attire, sing carols and generally provide festive cheer. Sponsors are welcome to bring a modest sign to display their group or business name.
For more information or to reserve a date, contact Cindy Rice at (541) 409-2803 or Julie Dedman at (541) 409-9093.
School choir, band performances
Sweet Home’s school choirs and bands will perform their winter concerts over the next two weeks.
The choir concert, which will include sixth-grade, junior high and high school choirs, will be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, in the high school auditorium, 1641 Long St.
The band concert, which will also include sixth-grade, junior high and high school bands, including the jazz band, will be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, also in the auditorium.
There is no charge, but donations are accepted.
Pajama collection
The Sweet Home Chamber of Commerce will be a collection site to accept donations of pajamas for youth in Linn County foster care.
All sizes are needed, from newborn to XXXL. This is CASA’s annual pajama drive. For more information, visit linncasa.org/pajama-drive.
The chamber is open Tues-Fri, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., located at 1575 Main St. Donations accepted until Dec. 12.
Jesus’ Birthday Party
Sweet Home Evangelical Church will host Jesus’ Birthday Party from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, at the church Activity Center, 1347 Long St.
Parking is also available off Kalmia Street at 14th Avenue.
The free event is open to all children. The celebration of the first Christmas will include a Shepherd’s Pond, face painting, cookie decorating, gift and card making, a prize ball and games.
Gingerbread competition
Got baking skills? Demonstrate them at the seventh annual Gingerbread Competition sponsored by Julegard: The Christmas Farm and the Sweet Home Chamber of Commerce.
Entries will be judged on Saturday, Dec. 13, in the following categories: Child (5-8), Youth (9-12), Teen (13-17), Adult (18-plus), Group/Family and People’s Choice.
Entries can be dropped off between 1 and 3 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce, 1575 Main St. Judging begins at 3:15. Public viewing and People’s Choice voting will take place from 4 to 7 p.m.
For more information and to sign up, visit sweethomechamber.com/events/eventcalendar.
Parade of Lights
The annual Parade of Lights will start at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, in downtown Sweet Home along Main and Long streets.
This year’s theme, “Candyland,” celebrates the sweetness of Sugar City with gingerbread- and candy-themed floats.
Those interested in participating with their own float may contact the Chamber of Commerce by calling (541) 367-6186, emailing [email protected], or stopping in at 1575 Main St. during office hours, Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Participants are encouraged to incorporate gingerbread and candy elements into their floats, such as gingerbread houses, candy canes, gumdrops, lollipops, and candy swirls. Bright, colorful lighting is a must. A minimum of 1,000 lights per float is recommended to ensure that gingerbread and candy designs shine in the nighttime parade. Oversized props and costumes are encouraged.
Carol Service on Elm Street
Elm Street Baptist Church will host its annual Christmas Carol Service at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at 1150 Elm St.
The public is invited. This is a participation event, including the congregational singing of a variety of traditional Christmas carols, Scripture readings and a short message all focused on the celebration and meaning of the advent of Jesus Christ.
Food will be served after the service.
Christmas Singalong
A Christmas Singalong will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19, at RezRock church, 1621 53rd Ave.
Join in a fun night of singing favorite carols, and indulging in cookies, hot chocolate and some hot coffee. There is no charge.
‘The Innkeepers’ on Stage
“The Innkeepers,” a drama based on the story of the Nativity from a fresh perspective, will be staged four times on Dec. 20-21 at Sweet Home High School Auditorium, 1641 Long St.
The musical play is written by local resident and author Satina Tolman and features music composed by local artists. Show times are 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20 and 21.
Admission is free but donations are accepted. The event is sponsored by SHOCASE.
Miracle of Christmas Drive-Thru
Community Chapel at Ames Creek will host The Miracle of Christmas from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at 42250 Ames Creek Road.
Participants will drive through the free lighted event in their vehicles as volunteers serve up cookies, hot chocolate, candy canes and pillowcases for kids 12 and under, as well as Bibles. The focus will be the story of the birth of Jesus Christ.