Cristal Reza, Vale, (far right) was chosen to be the 2018 Winter Wonderland Parade Queen Monday by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. Joining her will be princesses Alexis Navarrete and Kiera Dwyer, both Ontario High School seniors. (The Enterprise/Pat Caldwell).
ONTARIO – Malheur County will jump with the Christmas spirit in the coming days with holiday concerts, parades and other events.
One of the most anticipated events is the annual Winter Wonderland Parade in Ontario, scheduled to start at 1 p.m. Saturday.
The event, sponsored by the Malheur Enterprise, is staged by the Ontario Area Chamber of Commerce.
The theme of the parade is “Sweet Nutcracker Christmas.”
The parade forms at Alameda Drive next to Albertsons. From there the parade moves down Southwest Fourth Avenue to S. Oregon Street to Moore Park before it turns right and ends along Depot Street.
Among the entries expected this year are floats from the Ore-Ida Soccer Club and the Snake River Shrine Club, bands from Ontario, Fruitland and Payette High Schools.
The parade will also feature the Winter Wonderland court, including Queen Cristal Reza of Vale and princesses and Ontario High School seniors Kiera Dwyer and Alexis Navarette. And, of course, Santa Claus will be along.
Other holiday events in the coming days:
Santa’s breakfast
• 6:45 a.m. – 9 a.m. Friday at Ontario Elks Lodge
The Ontario chamber hosts this annual breakfast and it is open to the public. The cost to attend is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Reservations are required by Nov. 28 and can be made by calling the Ontario Chamber of Commerce at 541-889-8012. Individuals, groups and businesses can donate wrapped gifts to the breakfast to be given away as door prizes.
Christmas Spirit & Lightining Ceremony
• 5 p.m. Friday at Four Rivers Cultural Center
The annual event begins with a light show at 5 p.m. and a tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m.
Santa is also planning to stop by to take pictures with children.
Attendees will also get to enjoy a magician, Christmas carolers, band musicians and a performance by the Reader’s Theatre. Cider, hot chocolate, baked potatoes and chili and other food items will be sold by various local clubs and organizations.
Holiday Bazaar
• 10 a.m. 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Malheur County Fairgrounds
The Malheur County Fairgrounds will host the annual Holiday Bazaar this weekend, Nov. 30 – Dec. 1, and next, Dec. 7 and Dec. 8. More than 40 vendors will sell holiday goods and gifts. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there to take pictures Friday from 2-5 p.m. and Saturday 1-5 p.m.
Christmas Concert
• 7 p.m. Friday at the Meyer McLean Theater, Four Rivers Cultural Center
The music department of Treasure Valley Community College will present Leroy Anderson’s “A Festive Christmas.”
The TVCC chorale, concert choir and symphony will join the Weiser Youth Symphony and Nyssa Elementary School sixth grade choir to perform.
Tickets are $5 for general admission, $3 for seniors and $1 for TVCC students. The ticket office will open at 6:45 p.m. and will accept only cash or checks. For information, call 541-881-5950.
Nyssa Tree Lighting
• 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Memorial Park, Nyssa
The city of Nyssa will hold a tree lighting ceremony at Memorial Park. The public is welcome to attend and participate in a community prayer and caroling around the Christmas tree. Afterwards, local churches will gather at the Nazarene Church parking lot, 412 Good Ave., at 5:30 p.m. to present a collaborative live Nativity.
The event, sponsored by Nyssa Christian Fellowship and The Lighthouse Church, will offer free hamburgers to those who attend.
Nyssa Parade
• 6 p.m. Saturday in downtown Nyssa
The annual Nyssa Nite Lite Parade with the theme “Christmas Vacation” will start at the LDS Church, 1309 Park Ave., and will wind through downtown. This year’s grand marshals are Lois and Lyle Miner. Following the parade, families are welcome to take a free picture with Santa Claus at the Umpqua Bank on 217 Main St, Nyssa.
Help Them To Hope Concert
• 3 p.m. Sunday at the Meyer McLean Theater, Four Rivers Cultural Center
The 28th annual Help Them To Hope Benefit Concert, “A Family Christmas,” will feature dance, piano, vocal solo and ensemble performances at the Meyer McLean Theater at FRCC. Among the performances expected this year include music by the Treasure Valley Swing Band, pianist Rebekah Carter of Ontario, vocalist Obadiah Neasham of Adrian and French hornist Deborah Wolfe of Vale.
Other Holiday events
• Cairo Elementary School holds its annual Winter Concert at the Four Rivers Cultural Center at 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13.
• The Nyssa School District holds its annual Winter Concert on at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, at the Nyssa High School auditorium.
• The Ontario Library District will hold its annual holiday party from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15.
The festivities will begin at 1 p.m. with crafts, coloring and a visit from Santa. Call 541-889-6371 for more information.