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For the week of Dec. 1, 1999 through Dec. 7, 1999

Valley to celebrate old-fashioned Christmas, New Year’s


By TRAVIS PURSER
Express Staff Writer

Santa and Mrs. Claus are coming to the Wood River Valley next week, and with their arrival, a myriad of holiday festivities begins.

Ketchum is hosting an old-fashioned Christmas celebration Dec. 10 with its annual tree-lighting ceremony at the Ketchum/Sun Valley Heritage and Ski Museum.

The following week, a children’s gingerbread decorating party kicks off Sun Valley’s Christmas season.

Other events include a community bonfire in Elkhorn, a fireworks extravaganza in Sun Valley and classic productions of the Messiah and The Thousandth Night.

It all begins with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus Friday, Dec. 10, on the Ketchum city fire engine. At 5:30 p.m., the Ketchum/Sun Valley Heritage and Ski Museum will welcome the famous couple with a Christmas carol sing along and free hot chocolate in the park at the corner of First and Washington.

Santa’s helpers will be busy handing out cookies and hot cider—and helping to control the reindeer—while Ketchum Mayor Guy Coles flips the switch on the city’s glimmering Christmas tree.

Later that night, Santa will accept children’s wish lists and offer photo opportunities.

Dec. 17, Santa moves solo to a new venue when the Ketchum/Sun Valley Chamber of Commerce hosts the 11th annual Children’s Gingerbread Decorating party from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Sun Valley Inn’s Limelight Room.

Don’t miss a screening of the "Iron Giant," however, which begins before the party at the Sun Valley Opera House at 2:30 p.m.

Highlighting this event at 4:30 p.m. will be a live performance of kid’s Christmas music by local folk musicians, the Boulder Brothers.

The screening and party are free; however, all guests are encouraged to make a $2 donation for the needy.

That night at 7 p.m., the Wood River Community Chorus performs Handel’s Messiah at St. Charles Catholic Church in Hailey. There will be a repeat performance Dec. 19 at 4:30 p.m. at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church in Sun Valley.

Don’t miss the famous and dazzling torchlight parade down the slopes of Dollar Mountain on Christmas Eve. At 5 p.m., the evening begins with caroling and Santa at the Sun Valley ice rink and moves later to the base of Dollar Mountain.

Dec. 28-30, the inimitable Company of Fools presents The Thousandth Night, a one-man show at Hailey’s Liberty Theater. Show time is at 8 p.m.

The holidays and the last thousand years end New Year’s Eve with a Millennium Fireworks Extravaganza and Community Bonfire in Sun Valley and Elkhorn. Roast marshmallows and warm up with hot chocolate in what the Chamber of Commerce has called "a wonderful celebration for the entire family."

For more information on:

·  The tree-lighting ceremony, call 208-726-8118.

·  The gingerbread decorating party, call 208-725-3423.

·  Handel’s Messiah, call 208-622-4774.

·  The Thousandth Night, call 208-788-6520.

·  The torchlight parade, call 208-622-2195.

·  The Millennium Fireworks Extravaganza and Community Bonfire, call 208-622-2183.

 

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