The 50-foot white fir erected in downtown Fallon is being decorated this week for Friday’s traditional tree lighting ceremony and for the remainder of the month in celebration of Christmas.
For the last 88 years, the Fallon community embraces Christmas cheer the annual tradition with lives performances and Santa Claus, followed by family-friendly activities the next day known as HomeTown Christmas.
Parents may bring their own camera to take pictures with St. Nick and the colorful tree in the background from Sierraville, Calif., which has been providing Fallon with a tree for more than 30 years.
Event Organizer Judy Pratt said although temperatures may be cold, the night skies should be fairly clear, and hot chocolate will be available for holiday flavor and warmth.
“We want to thank the Mason family for their many years of giving away free hot chocolate and the performances by the Lahontan Concert Choir group,” she said.
Pratt said this year’s special guests to light the tree are Eddie and Gloira Venturacchi, part of a family generation in Fallon.
For its ninth consecutive year, The Sagebrush Sisters also will be hosting the Fine Art and Craft Show from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Old Post Office, 90 North Maine Street, free admission and live entertainment.
Board Members Terri Calleas, Kim Rowlett, Vicki Workman, and Pam Yost are featuring vendors to support local artists and charities.
Yost said they’re hoping to raise $500 for CASA Kids Kloset, including artists who donate pieces of their artwork to contribute.
“We’ve raised money for them over the last three years at this event,” she said. “It’s our way to support the local artists and give back to the local community. It gives artists a place to come and to show off and sell their work. We have a lot of people that just come by and take a look.”
The Churchill County Middle School also is hosting its annual craft fair Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 690 South Maine Street.
Prior to the 6 p.m. lighting, carolers and choirs will sing Christmas songs, and the city of Fallon will host an open house at the Douglass House.
The grand prize drawing for Live Local Fallon’s Passport raffle also will be conducted and announced during open house at City Hall beginning at 4 p.m., as participants will have a chance to win a four seated Honda Pioneer UTV.
HomeTown Christmas kicks off Saturday with more live performances and craft fairs, including the Lights of Christmas auctioning event.
Participants with the highest bid receives a live Christmas pine, decorated by local business and non profits, with delivery options.
Photo opportunities with Santa and Grinch also will be on site, along with a performances by live band American Crossroads and Lahontan Valley Choir, and DIY ornament crafts.
A United Blood Services van also will be available for donating opportunities.
The Candy Cane Hunt takes place at Laura Mills Park 10 a.m. Dec. 2.
The Quebe Sisters will be performing at Oats Park Art Center Dec. 2 at 8 p.m.