Wednesday, December 1, 2004

'It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas'

Events abound this holiday season


By DANA DUGAN
Express Staff Writer

The Sun Valley Carolers will return this Christmas

Surprise! It's Christmas and Chanukah time in the valley, and there are way more than 12 days in which to celebrate.

Each year brings its own array of joyful gatherings. This season there are endless reasons to participate in the holiday seasons and countless places to do so.

Beginning this weekend there are dance performances, fairs, Santa sightings, Christmas music, Gingerbread house making, a reindeer hunt and alternative gift shopping.

Sponsored by Amnesty International Group at Wood River High School, a Silent Candlelight Vigil is Thursday Dec. 2, to honor the fallen soldiers of the Iraq War. It takes place at 7 p.m. on Phil Homer Field at the WRHS, in Hailey.

The Sun Valley Ballet School presents "The Nutcracker" with principal dancer Todd Fox, Friday Dec. 3 through Sunday Dec. 5, at the nexStage Theatre in Ketchum. There are matinee performances at 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Evening performances are 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

The Holiday Sing-A-Long with the Caritas Chorale, is Friday, Dec. 3, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m., and Sunday Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Ketchum.

The 14th annual Papoose Club Holiday Bazaar takes place Saturday, Dec. 4 and Sunday, Dec. 5 at Hemingway Elementary School in Ketchum.

Check out the 50 vendors who sell everything from arts and crafts to homemade pies and edibles. There's also an annual raffle as well as soups and baked goods in Soup Café. Inspirational music will be provided by the Sun Valley Symphony Music Conservatory. Even Santa Claus gets into the action by stopping by on Sunday from 1 to 2 p.m.

The annual Lighting of the Hospice Memorial Christmas Tree, is 5 p.m., Monday, Dec. 6, at the big spruce tree, on Leadville Avenue between the liquor store and Davis, in Ketchum. Refreshments will be served.

The Presbyterian Church of the Big Wood in Ketchum has a few functions for the holidays. A children's carol performance is 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 9. The awe-inspiring music of Handel's "Messiah" is presented at 4:30 p.m., Dec. 19 and the original holiday production of "The Promise" is 7:30 p.m., Dec. 21 through Dec. 23.

The 2004 Festival of Trees opens for viewing and the gala benefit dinner on Thursday, Dec. 9 at nexStage Theatre in Ketchum.

The second annual St. Thomas Alternative Gift Fair begins 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 11 at the church in Ketchum. At least a dozen valley nonprofit organizations will have booths where holiday shoppers can buy donations in a loved one's name. For instance, for $15 shoppers might purchase a Peak bus pass for someone in need.

The Wood River Hunger Coalition hosts a fundraising event Saturday, Dec. 11 at the Anne Reed Gallery in Ketchum, catered by Cristina's.

There will be artwork and plenty of gift certificates in a silent auction. Larry Flynn emcees the event. A live auction features food baskets and food vouchers for those in need.

On 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 12, The Community Library presents "The Polar Express Extravaganza" by Chris Von Allsburg. The popular book will be read and partially acted by Page Klune, in the library's lecture room. All children are invited to attend the party in their pajamas.

Hailey Library is also holding a "Polar Express" holiday event from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14. Kids can participate in lots of fun activities and should come in pajamas.

On stage, the Company of Fools presents "Fools Holiday Songbook," Dec. 16 through Dec. 23 at the Liberty Theatre in Hailey. Tuesday, Dec. 16 is the Pay What You Can Preview. All shows are at 7 p.m.

An old-fashioned Christmas tree lighting and caroling party is Thursday, Dec. 16 in the Ketchum Forest Service Park. Hot cocoa and a visit from Santa atop a fire truck are among the highlights.

The Great Reindeer Hunt on Skis for charity returns to Bald Mountain Saturday, Dec. 18, from 1 to 4 p.m. There is a party following at the American Legion Hall in Ketchum. Everyone is welcome to join up, chase some reindeer and raise money for Camp Rainbow Gold and Sun Valley Adaptive Sports.

The 3rd Annual Holiday Prose and Poetry Reading is 7 p.m., Dec. 18, with the "Not So Dead" Poets Society at the nexStage Theatre. The readings include selections from "The Gift of the Magi," "A Child's Christmas in Wales," "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" and more. There will be refreshments served.

A comedy fundraiser at Our Lady of the Snows is Dec. 19. The comedy "Sister's Christmas Catechism" will be presented.

On Christmas Eve, Friday, Dec. 24, much of the festivities occur in Sun Valley. Santa makes one of his final stops at the outdoor ice rink before heading off around the world in his sleigh. There is also a festive skating show, the torchlight parade down Bald Mountain and finally, fireworks.




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