Start of the Holiday Season

There is a lot going on this weekend in the Gunnison Valley. The Annual Chamber of Commerce "Night of Lights" starts at 5:30pm downtown. Stroll among the festive light displays, stop and make a s'more or indulge in a cup of hot cocoa, enjoy the holiday music of the High School Band or join in the carolers at the Arts Center. Santa should be arriving at 6:30pm to light up the beautiful Christmas Tree on South Main Street. If you need to warm up - stop by the art galleries and shops participating in the First Friday Gallery Crawl. Beautiful and intriguing art can be seen at Rocky Mountain Frames, the Gunnison Gallery, Mochas and the Gunnison Center for the Arts. There is also live music provided by Chris Coady at the Gunnison Gallery.

Start Saturday morning with a latte or mocha at one of the locally owned coffee shops in town. At 9am, is the start of the annual Christmas Bazaar at St. Peter's Parish Hall located at 400 W. Georgia Avenue. You can select gifts from a wide selection of handmade arts and crafts items and fill a holiday tin with yummy cookies and treats.

Head over to the lobby of Bank of the West at North Main and West Virginia Avenue at 10am. You can change your $80 in cash into $100 in Gunnison Greenbacks. The Greenbacks are valid on Satuday and Sunday and are accepted by most businesses in town. You get a "free" $20 for your holiday shopping. What a deal! Many local businesses are offering additional discounts this weekend. Shop Local and support your local business owners who happen to be your friends and neighbors.

While you are shopping downtown, head over to Pat's Screen Printing at 244 N. Main and have your picture taken with your "Santa Claws" pet. This fun event benefits the Gunnison Valley Animal Welfare League. Ho-Ho-Woof!

The Gunnison Arts Center will be hosting their annual Gala on Saturday evening. The "Come to the Cabaret" Gala starts at 6pm at the Arts Center. Tickets are available at the Center and for more information about the event go to www.gunnisonartscenter.org.

On Sunday, after church and a hearty breakfast at one of Gunnison's restaurants, from Noon until 4pm, many of the downtown businesses will be hosting their annual Holiday Open Houses.
Check out the unique and fun items to satisfy your holiday gift list. You can visit with your friends and neighbors, find just the right gifts, enjoy some refreshments and support our local economy.

When your Christmas gift list is filled, head over to the Gunnison Ice Rink for some skating, take an invigorating stroll or jog on one of the local trails, catch a movie at the Ruby Cinema on the WSC Campus, climb the wall or take a plunge at one of the indoor swimming pools at the Gunnison Community Center. There's always something to do in the Gunnison Valley!