STORY BY KAREN BOSSICK
PHOTO BY CAROL WALLER
Hailey kicks off the Christmas season with a Holiday Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 1.
Celebrants are asked to gather at the Old County Courthouse at the corner of Croy and First Street at 5:30 p.m. to watch the flipping of the switch, which signals the official start to the holiday season in Hailey.
There will be carolers, hot chocolate and coffee.
On Saturday, Dec. 1, Smokey Bear—the official mascot for wildfire prevention in the United States—will be hanging out at the Welcome Center to greet those picking up Christmas tree permits. Dozens of people took to the back roads around the valley this past weekend to pick out trees. But there are plenty more to be had.
Those in search of that special tree can pick up a permit for $10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Welcome Center next to the Hailey rodeo grounds.
On Friday, Dec. 8, the merchants of Hailey will host their Hailey Holiday Hoopla. Many of Hailey’s shops will stay open late, offering holiday cheer and shopping from 4 to 9 p.m. Carolers, fire pits and Santa himself will add to the festivity as shoppers stroll Hailey’s historic downtown decked out in lights and other holiday splendor.
In addition, The Chamber is presenting 25 Days of Christmas to encourage valley residents to shop local. The chamber will post one special offer each day beginning Thursday, Nov. 30, to its Discover the Wood River Valley social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Follow along @DiscoverWRV to get the alerts on sweet deals.
DON’T FORGET HALLMARK’s HOLIDAY HOUSE CONTEST
As The Eye announced last week, Hallmark Properties is hosting a gingerbread building competition for all ages and skill types. Winners in each category will get between $50 and $400 in Valley Bucks that can be used with participating retailers throughout the Wood River Valley.
All houses must be delivered to the Welcome Center in Hailey by 5 p.m. on Dec. 11. The houses will be on display through Dec. 15, with winners announced that evening during an Open House Party complete with Santa, cocoa, cookies and other treats from 4 to 6 p.m.
Each participant in the age 6 and under category will receive a gift bag. Other categories are ages 7-9, ages 10-13, ages 14-18 and ages 19 and above. The final category is for families.
For information, visit https://bree806.wixsite.com/hallmarkidahoholiday, or call 208-928-7653.