Sean C. Morgan
Christmas activities kick off Friday evening and run through the weekend, with more events planned in the following weeks.
Three bazaars open at 9 a.m. and run through 5 p.m. on Friday, and from 1 to 4 p.m. on Friday the East Linn Museum hosts “Tour the Decorated Parlour.”
Community caroling, themed “Let our Lights Shine,” starts at the Chamber of Commerce, 1575 Main St., following the lighting of local businesses Friday at 5 p.m. At 5:30 p.m. carolers will walk from the Chamber of Commerce to East Linn Museum for the Clover Park tree lighting and the lighting of the Christmas cards, which were painted by local artists and displayed at different locations in town.
The Sweet Home High School Jazz Band will perform, and hot cocoa, cider and cookies will follow.
The evening activities will end with the Singing Christmas Tree performance at 7:30 p.m. at Sweet Home High School. The Singing Christmas Tree performs again at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday.
Saturday shopping starts at 9 a.m. at four bazaars and a downtown shopping event, “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree,” on Saturday.
The annual Christmas Parade begins at 11 a.m., running along Long Street from 18th Avenue to 10th Avenue.
Viewing of trees for the annual Sweet Home Alumni Foundation’s “Trees for Scholarships” Auction in the Sweet Home High School cafeteria, 1641 Long St., runs from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday. The silent auction and social begins at 6 p.m., followed by the live tree auction.
Live, decorated trees sponsored by individuals and businesses will be available for bidding. A silent auction will include wreaths, hand-crafted items, baked goods, and more. The silent auction runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. with live bidding starting at 7:30 p.m.
A $15 fee at the door to attend includes hors d’oeuvres, dessert, and punch.
All proceeds from the tree auction fund college scholarships for SHHS graduating seniors. For more information or to donate, call (541) 401-3148.
Picture with Santa runs from 1 to 4 p.m. at East Linn Museum.
“Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” runs all day, with shopping at 21 businesses in the downtown and Foster areas from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and a party from 7:45 to 11 p.m.
Shoppers start out the day picking up a passport at any of the businesses, including Oregon Prospecting and Rita’s Relics, Judy’s Gallary and Art Supplies, Money Man, Trash to Treasure, South Fork Trading Co., Coffee Hut, Mr. Lucky’s Deli, Sweet Home Choppers, Santiam Feed and Garden, Apple Creek Cafe, Pine Tree, Sweet Home Gleaners, Envy Salon, Sunshine Espresso, Sweet Home Trading Post, All Star Pizza, LnM Smoke Shop, Foster Lake Mall, Spoleto’s Italian Restaurant, American Family Video and Sweet Home RV.
The businesses will offer holiday specials, games and food. The passport is stamped at each business. Shoppers also should look for a decorated 45 rpm record to receive a ticket for a drawing. The passport may be redeemed at the VFW Club at 7:30 p.m., where the party starts at 7:45 p.m.
Each participating business has contributed cash for a $300 giveaway. To win, the passport must be completely stamped with the official stamp to qualify, and the individual must be present to win.
Events include a hat contest and customers can vote on business window decorations. Gift certificates from local restaurants will be given to the proprietors behind the winning windows.
At the club, the band Cadillac Cowboy will perform for the dance. The community is invited to the dance and party without the completed passport. For those without completed passports, there will be a $2 cover charge.
For more information about Rocking Around the Christmas Tree, contact Nancy Patton at 541) 409-4276.
At 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12, the Sweet Home Senior Center will hold a potluck dinner for members followed by the Bus Tour of Lights at 6:30 p.m. Tour participants will vote for their favorite light displays. Dessert will follow the tour.
From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, the Sweet Home School District Nutrition Services staff will serve a special holiday lunch at the Sweet Home High School cafeteria for children, parents and grandparents.
The meal is free for children 18 or younger. There will be a $3.50 charge for adults.
The menu includes baked ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, rolls, dressing, cranberry fruit salad and snowball cake.
Holiday music will be performed by the Sweet Home High School band and choir during the meal.
“It will be a wonderful opportunity for kids to enjoy a delicious holiday meal while listening to great holiday music from the high school band and choir programs,” said Nutrition Services Director Milli Horton.
According to Horton, the United States Department of Agriculture will reimburse the school district for each youth meal that is served through a federally supported child nutrition program.
For additional information, please contact Horton at (541) 367-7149.
On Saturday, Dec. 14, the AmVets will hold a bazaar from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Picture with Santa is available at the East Linn Museum from 1 to 4 p.m.
A Live Nativity begins at 5 p.m., and free carriage rides are available from Chafin Farms there from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Picture with Santa, the Live Nativity and carriage rides continue on Dec. 21, at the same times.
For more information about Christmas activities, call the Chamber of Commerce at (541) 367-8168.