By Cambria Roth
As it begins to look a lot like Christmas in Silverton and Mt. Angel, there’s plenty to do and see. Community events can be a great way to celebrate the holidays with friends and also a chance to make new acquaintances.
Silverton Christmas Tree Lighting
An annual tradition, the Christmas tree lighting takes place Friday, Dec. 5, at Town Square Park, at the corner of Main and Fiske streets. Activities will begin at 6 p.m. as carolers from different schools and the school bands perform until 7 p.m when Santa Claus is lifted up on a fire truck ladder and sprinkles magic fairy dust at the top of the tree to make it sparkle and start the holiday season. Hot chocolate will be served and afterward, Santa will greet children at Silver Falls Bank.
After the tree lighting, celebrate First Friday in downtown Silverton from 7 to 9 p.m. It’s a chance to visit art galleries, boutiques and restaurants while shopping locally to support community businesses.
Kriskindlmarkt and Mt. Angel Tree Lighting
On Saturday, Dec. 6, 2-6 p.m. you can enjoy a day of strolling and shopping for Christmas presents in downtown Mt. Angel at the third annual Kriskindlmarkt.
The day will include an opportunity to see a blacksmith working at a forge working metal, wood carvers practicing their craft, a fur trading reenactment, arts and crafts, a town crier, plus and array of food and music.
Kris Kindl will lead the festivities for the lighting of the towering tree at Mt. Angel City Hall at 6 p.m.
Sharing shows caring
If you have extra food this holiday season, you can donate it to Silverton Area Community Aid. Bring non-perishable food items such as peanut butter, canned tuna, beans and pasta to SACA at 421 S. Water St., which is open 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and 5-7 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of every month.
Food and toys are being collected for Mt. Angel families at St. Joseph Shelter/Mission Benedict, at 925 S. Main St. Call 503-845-6147 for more information.
Willamette Valley Events Center in Mt. Angel is sponsoring “Spare a Toy, Share Some Joy” Holiday Dinner Party on Dec. 18 with proceeds going to Mt. Angel Community Chest, Silverton Tree of Giving and Sublimity and Stayton’s Toys for Joy program. Tickets are $19.95. Go to woodennickel.com for details.
Tree of Giving aids children
The Zenith Women’s Group coordinates the “Tree of Giving” program that provides toys and clothes for children in the Silver Falls School District. Families seeking gifts should fill out an application at Silverton Together, 421 S. Water St., by Tuesday, Dec. 2. Remember to bring proof of residency, photo identification, income information or Oregon Health Plan letter.
Christmas trees to brighten the season
Due to the generosity of local businesses, Silverton Together receives trees for families in need in the Silverton area. The trees will arrive before the “Celebrate Families” Holiday Festival, and will be decorated by high school clubs and non-profit organizations and given away to nominated families after the event. Call Jan Holowati at Silverton Together at 503-873-0405 for information.
