Contributing writer for The Canyon Weekly
It’s Christmas in the Canyon!
Several events are brightening the holidays for local residents and visitors alike, starting with Santiam Hearts to Arts hosting of blues and ragtime guitarist Mary Flower at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26 at the recently remodeled Stewart’s Hall. At the same time on Saturday, Dec. 10 will be a performance by bluegrass band Fern Hill.
“The very next day, the Santiam Canyon Community Chorus will perform a free Christmas concert at 4 p.m. at Stewart’s Hall,” said Ken Cartwright, program director for KYAC 90.1 FM. “Immediately following the concert the public is invited to stay and join the Community Chorus dinner.”
The dinner features shepherd’s pie, chicken alfredo, bread, salad, coffee or water, and desserts. Cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children.
“We’ve already been asked to sing for the Historical Society on Dec. 1,” Jo Ann Hebing told Chorus members. Hebing is directing the Christmas show.
Also sponsored by Santiam Hearts to Arts, the show, “Together for the Holidays,” highlights performances by SCCC’s Barbershop Quartet, Dave and Laura Erickson, Santiam Elementary’s fourth grade class, Ross Miller and Santa. A drawing, silent auction and a short live auction will take place.
This year’s final Art Mart will feature numerous vendors with an array of Christmas gifts and goodies as well as regular fare from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hall. Admission is free.
The Idanha-Detroit Fire District will bring Santa into town on a fire engine at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3 at the Detroit Community & Civic Center. Complementing Santa’s arrival will be a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony and a children’s Christmas party with holiday crafts, games and presents.
“I personally believe that these community events are essential for Detroit and Idanha to be able to feel some sense of normalcy after the devastation of 2020,” said Lt. Laura Harris. “The children’s Christmas party is one I look forward to every year!”
Sponsors include the department’s I Believe Foundation, the Detroit Lake Foundation and volunteers.
The Lyons Rural Fire District will host its first annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3 (tree lighting at 6:30 p.m.) at the firehouse.
Firefighters invite kids of all ages to “join us for a magical night filled with lights, hot cocoa, holiday treats, Santa Claus and the mean on himself. Bring your best camera and smiles” to take photos with Santa and The Grinch. The event will take place “rain or snow.”
Toy Drive bins will be onsite, and people are encouraged to “bring a toy, share the joy!” As well as the fire department, donations will also be accepted through Dec. 18 at Your Country Kitchen, Lyons Market, Corner Market, Mehama Ace Hardware and Mari-Linn School. An Amazon wish list has been set up and purchase will be shipped directly to the Lyons Fire Department.
Scio High School’s Logger Leadership is putting on what they like to call “The Christmas Giving Tree.” The twist is Scio’s community, staff and students come together to give Scio kindergarteners a gift for the holiday season. Organizers would “love to make these kindergarteners’ holiday season super special with some Christmas spirit and we can’t do it without the help of the community!”
Scio Logger Leadership is also partnering with the Scio Fire Department for their annual canned food and gift drive through Dec. 14. The drive includes firefighters from Scio, Crabtree and Bilyeu Den. Applications for assistance were due by Nov. 23. For more information, contact Terrie at 541-981-9130.
Scio firefighters are hosting a Feed the Boot event between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3 along Main Street.
Then at 5:30 p.m., the Scio Christmas light parade leaves the Fire Station and travels down Main Street to Scio Christian Church for community caroling at 6 p.m., and tree lighting at 6:30 p.m.
Also, kids can meet Santa that night at 37587 Crabtree Drive. Santa arrives at 7 p.m. thanks for the Scio Fire District Volunteer Association.
