Welcome to Olde Fashioned Christmas 2014 presented by Alpine Bank. We chose the theme “Christmas Past” for 2014 in celebration of the Town of Palisade’s 110 year anniversary. After all, Olde Fashioned Christmas is all about Christmas traditions and memories. Juliann Adams, Executive Director of the Palisade Chamber, says, “We hope you will join us and celebrate the spirit of Christmas olde fashioned style!”
The whole town is decorating and planning for an experience that will take you out of the hustle and bustle to enjoy all the holiday magic with sights, sounds, tastes and easy shopping. Visitors will find holiday shopping a pleasure with the combination of over 40 vendor booths with the unique and appealing shops in Palisade. Plan on spending the weekend shopping, sampling soups, singing carols, sharing a carriage ride, studying history, spreading good cheer, and savoring the flavor of Palisade!
It all begins on Friday evening, December 5th at 5 PM with caroling by the Taylor Elementary Serenadors as they march up Main Street to the Town Plaza to light the town tree. Warm up with hot cocoa and coffee on the plaza or purchase a cup of soup from Altrusia’s Cup of Warmth at the Slice of Life Bakery. The Parade of Lights will follow with floats, bands, horses, fire trucks, buggies, the Snow Queen and Court, Mr. & Mrs. Claus, Santa Nana and a whole lot more.
Be sure to come back on Saturday morning. The Festivities are from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Plan to drop your Gingerbread Creation at the community center between 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM. Dixie Burmeister says, “I have a special guest appearing at the Showcase this year and he is bringing a special gingerbread house to display for our guests.” The Gingerbread Contest & Showcase presented by Guild Mortgage is open for viewing from 11 AM – 5 PM. Meet the gingerbread man and lady and sit a spell at the kids decorating tables filled with ready made gingerbread houses done by the culinary students at Palisade High School waiting to be decorated with lots of frosting and candy.
The Lavender Association of Western Colorado has joined us this year with their Artisan Craft Fair being held at the old gym. Several more vendors will be selling hand crafted items for the special person on your list from 10 AM – 4 PM. There will be $1,000 in door prizes given away. Our Major sponsor, The Fountains of Hilltop is providing buses to shuttle folks from downtown to the community center to the old gym and back again in comfort. Clark Family Orchards will be driving a team of horses with their wagon to give rides as well. We are grateful to have them aboard. While at the Firehouse check out the trucks with the kids while voting for your favorite chili 11 AM – 4 PM.
The Annual Rotary Silent Auction will have items for bid displayed at the old Mumzel’s shop behind the Blue Pig. Check out the many items donated by local merchants from dining certificates, alpaca jackets, night stays, jewelry and so much more. Proceeds from the auction will benefit many of the area projects sponsored by the Palisade Sunrise Rotary Club.
Kids can bring their Christmas letters to Santa’s Workshop sponsored by Palisade Coop where Santa and his sister, Santa Nana will be waiting. They have elves from the PHS Student Council helping with crafts the kids can make and take home. Be sure to get to the library for storytelling! As for moms & dads, guided historical walking tours will be held at 10:30 AM & 12:30 PM starting at the Historical Society office for a small donation.
Let me remind you of the delicious tastes at the Soup Challenge with nine area chefs showcasing their special soup creations from 1 PM – 3 PM in the library courtyard. The winners will be announced about 3:30 in the plaza. While you’re there stop inside the Palisade Branch of the Mesa County Library for the Auxiliary’s book sale.
Some of our local churches will have special events during the day. A beautiful Cantata will be done at the Methodist Church on 4th Street at 1:00 – 3:00 PM. Just a short walk down the street is the Seventh Day Adventist Church’s collection of Nativity sets from all over the world from 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM.
On Sunday A Christmas Tea will be served at the historic home of Varaison Vineyards along with our Holiday Home Tour. The first seating is at 11:00 AM and a second seating at 1:00 PM. Delicious Sweets and Savories will be served. Reservations and tickets are required. After tea begin the tour of homes decorated in holiday splendor from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Tickets are available until Dec 5th online at palisadecoc.com or stop by the Chamber office.
Thank you to our presenting sponsors, Alpine Bank, Guild Mortgage and Hilltop and all our generous sponsors. A special thanks to all the volunteers, Palisade High school, vendors, the Town of Palisade and you for believing in the gift of Olde Fashioned Christmas.
