It looked like Santa’s workshop at Columbia Valley Greenhouses Tuesday, as a group of volunteers were busy creating festive baskets to hang downtown.
Residents interested in helping bring the Christmas spirit to Trail have ample opportunity this week.
Seven truckloads of greens – pine, fir and Oregon grape – have been collected and are being assembled as well as a Christmas light party planned for this weekend.
The decorations are part of the decor that will add some sparkle to Trail in preparation for the third annual Silver City Nites set for early next month.
“Not only are we promoting shopping downtown but that there is so much in the downtown core and in your local backyard to explore,” said volunteer Cheryl Baerg.
“There are so many more ideas coming forth every day and that’s the beauty of this event, that it keeps growing and it keeps getting more magical.”
The festival is a chance to celebrate winter all while encouraging residents to gather downtown and support local business. For the first time, Trail Community in Bloom is organizing the event in conjunction with the Downtown Opportunities and Action Committee (DOAC).
“It’s to showcase that we have four seasons in this area and it’s one more season that we’re embracing,” said Baerg, noting that spirits are still high from October’s Spooktacular event put on by the DOAC.
Beyond fixing 54 hanging baskets to street posts and hanging thousands of Christmas lights in key locations, the group is preparing for its big splash Dec. 9.
Part of Cedar Avenue will be closed down to traffic after 4:30 p.m. that night to make way for a Candy Parade, light-up tree ceremony and Santa’s elves collecting letters for St. Nicholas.
Downtown shops will also be open late that night for Christmas shopping deals and United Steelworkers Local 480 will be on site serving up free hot chocolate and hot dogs to those checking out the festivities.
“The magical part of it is the fresh fallen snow, it’s the knowing that you’re going to be spending time with your loved ones and it’s the thankfulness of what you have to share with your family, too,” said Baerg.
The fun starts this week at the greenhouse, where residents are encouraged to drop by Wednesday or Thursday after 10 a.m. and help assemble baskets.
“No experience is necessary, just enthusiasm,” said Baerg.
The group is also looking for volunteers to light up the downtown Saturday. Those interested are to dress warm and meet at the arena parking lot at 10 a.m.
For more information, email trailinbloom@hotmail.com or call Lana Rodlie at 368-9227.