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For over eighty years, residents of Boulder City have enjoyed a Home Town Christmas. We may not have the usual signs of the holidays like snow and horse drawn sleighs...or do we? Going back in Chamber History, we saw then-chairwoman Marcie Harris bring snow and a horse draw sleigh right down Nevada Way during the annual Santa's Electric Night Parade. It may have only been temporary that year...but it was snow! I wonder what this year's chairwoman Denise Senko will bring...
You can almost smell the turkey roasting and grandma's cookies baking as we prepare to welcome in the most delightful season. Is it me, or do you think everyone in town seems a little bit more friendly and helpful during this special time of year? As we stroll our streets and shop our shops, we have the opportunity to help our local business owners and we save time and energy in not having to fight the larger crowds over the hill. I love walking into our local businesses and seeing the parents of my kids' friends, adults my mom and dad went to school with, and neighbors we hang out with during the different city celebrations. We are a tight-knit community and the holidays are proof that Boulder City is the place to celebrate Nevada's Home Town Christmas.
Many find it charming to hear of holiday history in Boulder City. A wonderful group of long-time citizens spent an afternoon reminiscing while meeting in the Chamber office a couple of months ago. They asked, "do you remember the year..." and "how can we forget the Christmas when…?" It was one of those moments you wished you'd had a tape recorder to capture all the fabulous stories of the past that brought them many years of great joy and memories. Those memories are what we are creating each year with the special events of the season. Do you remember the year that Santa introduced us to Jingle Cat? That was one of my favorite memories of a past Home Town Christmas. It seems to me that Chris Mouse was part of that story...
Speaking of Jingle Cat...where has she been? It has been so long since our friend was around town. I was told just the other day that she plans on coming back from the North Pole very soon; so, we'll all have to watch out for her at different businesses.
In the meantime, we can plan ahead for our annual events. I recently learned that Luminaria/Los Posadas has been in the planning phase for several months now. This is truly one of the best events to attend to kick-off the beautiful holiday season. Now that it is inside the Boulder City Recreation Center, it has really picked up in attendance numbers. The warm atmosphere isn't just because Roger Hall runs the heat for us, it is also because of the warmth of the live Nativity, the amazing local performance groups and the cheery carols sung by all. Please join us for a very special evening. This year, Luminaria will be on Thursday, December 4th at 6pm. This event is hosted and produced by the United Methodist Church of Boulder City.
Jingle Cat is scheduled to make her first appearance of the season at Frank Crowe Park where she dances and sings with all her friends as they light the City Christmas Tree. This will be on Friday, December 5th at 6pm. Christy Springgate-Hill and Marcie Harris have promised a fun-filled evening for families and friends.
Where might you find the perfect holiday gift? Saturday, the 6th of December, at the Doodlebug
Bazaar in the Recreation Center, of course! Right behind the Bazaar in Bicentennial Park, you'll be able to sit on Santa's lap and Jingle Cat will be handing out Santa's goodie bags again this year from 11am to 2pm. It never ceases to amaze me how many cheery volunteers assist with all the events, especially the Santa's Picture Party.
Later that day, line up along the parade route for the Annual Santa's Electrical Night Parade that begins at 4:30pm on Saturday, the 6th. Cox Cable will again be filming this year's event, so if the chill forces you to miss out on the festivities, you'll be able to enjoy the bright lights from your own armchair.
You won't want to miss out on the Lake Mead Boat Owners Association's Parade of Lights immediately following the parade. Rumor has it that a big shindig is planned for Las Vegas Boat Harbor and Lake Mead Cruises that night and it will be the place to be seen.
Immediately following the parades, St. Judes will be highlighting their families with A Night of Lights. Join their staff and children in their cottages as they welcome all of Boulder City to visit and tour the facility. They will have music, food and fun.
This year, as we decorate our homes, drive through our quaint streets, shop our local businesses, and revel in the fact that we are blessed to live in Boulder City, remember those who are less fortunate and help make their holiday also one of joy. Emergency Aid of Boulder City will be putting up their Angel Tree at the Boulder Dam Credit Union on November 17th, this benefits children of low income families, the St. Jude's Kids, and isolated and low income seniors. The Boy Scouts' "Scouting for Food" collection will take place November 15th from 9am to 12noon. Scouts will hand out collection bags for food donations the week prior. Fill these bags and leave them at your doorstep or driveway the morning of the 15th and Scouts will pick up your donation and deliver it to the Emergency Aid Food Pantry. If you're interested in donating a turkey, get in touch with Albertson's management and they'll ensure your donation arrives on time. Emergency Aid would be overjoyed with any and all donations, including your time. If you're available to volunteer, contact the Emergency Aid Director at (702) 293-0797 as soon as possible.
If you are in need this holiday season, Emergency Aid is here to help. Sign-ups for Angel Tree, Thanksgiving Box and Christmas Box are already underway. To sign up, visit their building at 600 Nevada Way, 9am to 11:45am, Monday through Friday.
There are so many to thank and think of at this time. Please thank a Military Service Member and pray for their safe return if they are away from their families. Jingle Cat would like to thank all those that help decorate our fine City. The City Staff takes great pride in helping us feel the cheer of the season by lighting up our streets.
With so many special celebrations within our churches and organizations, the magical Santa's Train at the Nevada State Railroad Museum, the Chamber's Annual Progressive Mixer at Marshall Plaza, holiday open houses at local businesses, and so much more, how can anyone deny that Boulder City has Nevada's Home Town Christmas. We are lucky to live in such a wonderful community that celebrates its heritage by honoring its history and respecting it's future. On a daily basis, I'm proudly given the opportunity to share Boulder City's majesty with guests. It's truly inspiring to hear how Boulder City has impacted their lives for good and how these guests find value in visiting our clean green little Christmas town.
My prayer for you; may your home be warm, your heart be grateful, your spirit be light and your blessings be plentiful. Have a very happy holiday season.
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