Chamber Chat: Dec. 7

More local Christmas happenings planned

The Chamber's Christmas Mixer is at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, hosted by PremierWest Bank at 1201 Solano St.

Hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and a good time are planned.

New Life Assembly, 660 Solano St. will hold its Annual Christmas Boutique from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, and from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9.

Kelly Griggs House Museum, 311 Washington St., in Red Bluff, is holding its Holiday Open House from 4-7 p.m. Saturday; everyone is invited.

Many turnout for Hometown Christmas despite chill

Corning enjoyed a nice turnout for the Hometown Christmas, in spite of the chilly weather.

There were quite a few things to see and attendees participated in some fun activities for the whole family.

The day started with a pancake breakfast at the Fire Hall with the Knights of Columbus working together with the Corning Volunteer Fire Dept. to put on a delicious breakfast.

The kid's activities included games with free prizes, balloons, a petting zoo, face painting, a stick horse rodeo, and the horse drawn carriage rides, free for all.

Santa arrived by fire truck at 1 p.m. and by 1:30 p.m., he was having his picture taken with kids at his workshop at 1120 Solano St.

JVan Photography provided professional photos and they will be available at the Chamber today and Thursday for pick-up.

Plenty of opportunities to do Christmas shopping were available with craft vendors selling their creations in several places along Solano Street. Food vendors were selling their wares as well.

The Live Nativity was held at the Transportation Center this year and even the Baby Jesus was live.

Thanks to all who participated in the Live Nativity and provided a reminder of the "Reason for the Season."

The climax of the day came with the Parade of Lights which began at 5:30 p.m. with thousands in attendance.

Congratulations go to: Walberg Inc. who received the Judges Choice award; Corning Patriots, Best Float; Corning Kidettes for Best Marching Unit; Ron Otto for Best Miscellaneous; Nor-Cal Antique Tractor Club for Best Tractor Entry; Friday Knight Car Club for Best Vehicle, Jennie Barnes for Best Jr. Equestrian; and the Mexican Charros for Best Sr. Equestrian.

Recognizing Hometown Christmas supporters

The Chamber would like to thank Public Works who put up the Christmas trees and banners and for also hanging up the lights on the buildings and water tower, in spite of the high winds which made it quite a challenge.

The hard work to make downtown festive for the holidays is appreciated.

A special thanks to Paulyne White who has provided the white lights for the Christmas banners poles for the last few years.

Also thanks to all of the wonderful sponsors who made this event possible: Bob 95.7 FM, City of Corning, Corning Fire Department, Corning Observer, Corning Police, Crane Mills, H&R Block, Hispana Americana News, Interland Business & Gifts, Les Schwab Tires, Linnet's Tires, Rabobank, Red Bluff Daily News, Richard Dunbar DDS, Corning Rotary Club, Round Table Pizza, Spring Mountain Apartments, The Inn at Rolling Hills and The Lodge at Rolling Hills.

Thanks to the Chamber directors who volunteered their time to put on this event; especially to Carolann Fernandez, who stepped up to take on the position of Chair this year.

Time to participate in lighted house contest and tour

There is still time to enter the free Lighted House Contest.

Pick up an entry form at the chamber office or call 824-5550 to have one mailed.

To have a chance to win a cash prize, have home decorated and entry turned in by 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14.

The TRAX Lighted House Tour will take place at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, but participants should be there no later than 5:45 p.m.

Seating is limited and must be reserved by calling 385-BUSS (2877), by Dec. 14.

Stuck on Winter Crush

The 1st Annual Winter Crush will be held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at Lucero Olive Oil, 2120 Loleta Ave.

Participants will experience making olive oil first hand while savoring the aromas of the citrus crush.

There will also be cooking demonstrations by top local chefs and local vendors showcasing products grown here in Northern California. And to keep things merry, there will also be live music.

Information submitted by Valanne Cardenas, manager of the Corning Chamber of Commerce. Contact her at 824-5550 or corningchamber @sbcglobal.net.