Dixie Burmeister
Last month on December 6th and 7th, downtown Palisade was magically turned into a Hallmark movie setting, with the “best yet” town Christmas lighting filling the town as The Palisade Olde Fashioned Christmas presented by Hummel Real Estate got underway.
It all kicked off on Friday evening at 5:00 pm with the Taylor Elementary Seranders coming down the street, singing Christmas carols as they came to the plaza for the lighting of the Christmas tree; their excitement and joy spreading throughout the crowd. Yes, there was a bit of a hitch with just a portion of the tree turning on at first, but you know what? It was even more beautiful when it suddenly burst into full color, prompting a thrilling response from the crowd. Adding to the magic, was a terrific parade filled with lights, children, clubs, Santa and the Palisade High School Band What a way to kick off the holiday event. Adding warmth to the evening was Altrusa’s Cups of homemade soup, so welcomed on a chilly night as well as the cocoa and hot cider in the plaza.
Saturday, Breakfast with Santa at the perfect venue, the beautiful Wine Country Inn, always a sellout, was enjoyed by all. Santa was wonderful, the food delicious, the book gifts, from Altrusa, so appreciated! Soon the Olde Town Market Place, with over 30 vendors was open and ready with answers for those Christmas lists, as the Sweet Adeline’s and Baptist Church carolers strolled around town keeping spirits bright. History tours with those in period costume added that Olde Fashioned Christmas touch. While this was going on, visitors were getting in their bids at the Rotary Silent Auction, enjoying the warm fires around town, the Seventh Day Adventist Nativity Sets from around the world, the Methodist Cantata, the Baptist Church live Nativity Scene, Clark’s carriage rides, Kristy the Elf storytime at Wild Flower and Nana’s, children writing holiday letters to Santa with artist Deb.
The Stove Depot’s Firepits kept everyone warms all over town down to the Veteran’s Memorial Park. The Soup Challenge always draws a large crowd, eager to taste local chefs soup creations, all so delicious, creative and satisfying. The competition was tight with the winners being Community Hospital, Wine Country Inn and 357 Bar and Grill.
Now really, as you might expect, I must talk Gingerbread Contest and Showcase, sponsored by Timberline Bank along with support from so many more. We had over one hundred entries, loved them all and as I say, we get the whimsical, the beautifully charming, the exquisite, the humorous, the touching, and the joyful creations. Downstairs, children decorated Community Hospital’s, 400 gingerbread house cookies, and chatted with Santa. Many of the houses were then moved to Community Hospital’s beautiful walkway, where they were displayed for two weeks, bringing joy to patients, families and those from all over the valley who came to see the talents of so many.
I really believe a good time was had by all. Thank you to all our volunteers, sponsors, supporters, contestants, and to all our visitors; may you have a happy and prosperous new year!
Palisade Gingerbread Contest 2019
A- Original
3rd Place:
Amber Conway
DeBeque
970-618-9545
2nd Place:
Kat Coffield
Palisade
720-597-1313
1st Place:
Danika Brophy
Fruita
970-986-2904
Palisade Gingerbread Contest 2019
B – Advanced Original Creations
3rd Place
3rd JoAnn Mills
Grand Junction
970-241-2835
2nd Place:
Suzy Jameson & Kember Wallace
Palisade
970-210-6715 (Kember)
1st Place: Bobbie Thompson
Fruita
970-858-7691
Palisade Gingerbread Contest 2019
C – Business
3rd Place:
SGM, Inc.
Grand Junction
262-352-0560 (Katie)
2nd Place:
JUB Engineers
Palisade
970-208-8508 (Mary)
1st Place:
Nana’s Downtown & the Wild Flower
Palisade
970-216-5285 (Rebecca)
