For Dale and Dyanah, owners of the beloved “Christmas House on 5th,” Christmas 2016 started almost after they finished 2015! They have spent the entire year planning, consulting, planning, decorating, planning, building, planning, and finally...LIGHTING! With the amazing turn-out the night of the big reveal, it is so apparent the love and support this family has in bringing the holidays home for so many of us here in Boulder City. We are a hometown that loves and supports our friends and family. Our neighbors mean something to us and we not only go out of our way for them, we strive to take care of them. Dale and Dyanah know how to make a neighborhood shine, and this year, they have made Boulder City shine on national television. Such a perfect way to highlight the amazing people and businesses of Boulder City. From City Staff that helped make this happen, to local DJ’s and restaurants, everyone came together to showcase our great City and our friends’ light spectacular. Santa and Mrs. Claus waved to the crowd and hugged all the sweet little ones that couldn’t wait to tell them how good they had been. Jingle Cat made her first appearance of the season and was greeted with cheers and screams. Jingle loves Dale and Dyanah and has been joining them for several years as their honorary Lights On Mascot. She was so tickled to be asked to share in the excitement of this fun night. Jingle did worry about Dale though, out in the 110 degree weather of July, putting up lights and decorations. She gave him a nice face lick when she saw him! She really is the best pet Santa could ever ask for, and will be back soon to visit with more of the little ones of Boulder City.
So, what month does Christmas come to Boulder City? Well this year might have been a little odd for all the right reasons, but it is never too early to begin your planning. You can almost smell the turkey roasting and grandma’s cookies baking as we prepare to welcome in the most delightful time of the year. 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.
Luminaria and Los Posadas has been in the planning phase for several months now and 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. 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 the United Methodist Church for a very special evening. This year, Luminaria will be on Thursday, December 1st at 6pm at the Boulder City Recreation Department.
Jingle Cat is scheduled to make her second celebrity 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 2nd at 6pm. This year’s event is dedicated to the one and only, Christy Springgate-Hill. We honor her many hours of service and compassion for Boulder City. She produced the Annual Tree Lighting for the last eight years and was instrumental in starting the season off right for so many of us here in Boulder City. Marcie Harris will be producing it this year, with Christy looking on and cheering her all the way. Please come out and join us for a special thirty-second silent meditation in honor of this wonderful friend of Boulder City, Christy Springgate-Hill. At the conclusion of the evening, Jingle and Santa will both hang out for a little while to say hello to all their friends. Once the tree is lit, walk the streets of the Historic District and enjoy some after-hours shopping with our local merchants that will welcome you for all your gift-giving needs.
Where might you find the perfect holiday décor or handmade treat for mom or dad? Saturday the 3rd of December at the Doodlebug Bazaar in the Recreation Center. Jingle Cat and Santa want to make sure you stop by the Bazaar and see the newest addition, Winter Wonderland, where we invite you to their Picture Party to sit on Santa’s lap. Jingle Cat will be handing out Santa’s goodie bags again this year from 11am to 2pm. With the move to inside the Recreation Center, in partnership with the Doodlebug Bazaar, you’ll get a two-for-one deal on staying warm and a bird’s eye view of all the fun booths in the Bazaar.
Later that day, line up along the parade route for the annual Santa’s Electric Night Parade that begins at 4:30pm on the 3rd. 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 fun 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.
Santa will also be spotted at the Southern Nevada Railroad Museum on Yucca Street for the Santa Train again this year. He loves the train! He says it is so nice that someone else is driving for a change because he is always having to steer those reindeer when he travels.
For the adult holiday cheer, don’t forget to check out Second Saturday in the Historic District from 4pm to 8pm on Saturday, December 10th. Take part in the Chamber’s Wine Walk and enter the Ugly Sweater Contest. Enjoy live music along the sidewalks and a great after party and giveaways. Second Saturdays have proven to highlight our local merchants and restaurants that many may not have even known were around. The merchants love hosting these events and getting to know our locals and guests from surrounding communities as well. Come get your cheer on!
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. 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, 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 its 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, A World Away.
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. |
