There's plenty to do this month as we quickly approach Christmas, from simple caroling along an historic main street to elegant dining and entertainment on a grand scale.
The Soroptimists' annual Christmas Craft Show is taking place at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds today from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The big two-day show began Friday. It's been called the season's best, and features hand-crafted items from more than 85 local artists. Word has it, the Soroptimists are known for their culinary skills, in addition to serving the community. The Country Cafe will be open, offering food for purchase. Three buildings are in use for this popular event, and admission and parking are free. The fairgrounds is located south of Mariposa on Highway 49.
The lighted Merry Mountain Christmas Festival and Parade starts tonight at 6 in downtown Mariposa.
The annual Christmas Home Tour sponsored by Mariposa's Friends of the Library is scheduled for today and Sunday. This year marks 20 years of the successful benefit for the county library. Eight local residents have decorated their homes and will open their doors for the tour. Tickets are available for $12 at the Mariposa County Library all weekend, located at 4978 10th St. on the north side of the courthouse, and at the Visitor Center today, 5158 Highway 140. A map with directions and locations for the tour will be provided at time of ticket purchase. The Mariposa Museum and History Center will be open with a special collection of teddy bears to celebrate the season. And the Senior Center on Spriggs Lane is hosting the J.C. Fremont Hospital volunteers' craft fund-raiser. The old school and blacksmith shop in Catheys Valley are open to visitors. Live music is planned for Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. at Catheys Valley Baptist Church, located at 4565 Cornetts Entrance Road, just south of Old Highway. Call (209) 966-7081 for more information about the tour.
In Coulterville on Sunday, there will be a tree-lighting ceremony from 5 to 8 p.m., with a hayride and storytime, a bonfire, carolers, hot cider, coffee, soup and chili, plus much more to celebrate the season in the wild west town.
For these and other holiday events in the Mariposa area, visit www.mariposachamber.org, and click on the events calendar.
The Historic Columbia City Hotel presents its 29th annual Victorian Christmas Feast on the evenings of Dec.6-11 and Dec. 17-18. Jeff and Jackie Briggs of Briggs Hospitality continue to impress with their special occasion menus and entertainment. They're calling it an evening of fine dining and festive holiday cheer, with dishes such as standing rib roast with Yorkshire pudding, pumpkin bisque soup, and duck and veal pâté with cranberry and pecan relish. Period dress is encouraged, but optional. Reservations should be made soon; call (209) 532-1479.
Columbia State Park holds many traditional activities this month, including a Lamplight Tour tonight, and the Merry Merchants on Dec. 9, as Columbia's shops keep their doors open for some old-fashioned Christmas shopping. Activities include free carriage rides, caroling, gingerbread and roasted chestnuts. A Miners' Christmas celebration will be held two weekends in a row, Dec. 10-11, and Dec. 17-18, with Father Christmas and Gold Rush-era craft-making to occupy the kids while parents listen to tales of old around the campfire. Columbia's Christmas Equestrian Parade and Las Posadas Nativity Procession are scheduled for Dec. 11, at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Details about these events can be found at www.columbiacalifornia.com, or by calling (209) 532-6604 or (209) 536-1672.
And finally in Yosemite, stepping inside the Ahwahnee will take guests back to the 17th century for the annual Bracebridge Dinner. More than 100 cast members recreate the lavish holiday pageant, complete with a feast fit for a squire, plus music and performances from the Middle Ages. Visit www.nationalparkreservations.com or call (866) 875-8456 to make a reservation.
The holidays are upon us, with so many ways to celebrate the season.
Debbie Croft writes about life in the foothill communities. She can be reached at composed@tds.net.
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