Decking Corning's streets for Hometown Christmas

A forecast of stormy weather is threatening Saturday's Hometown Christmas festivities, but rain or shine the show will go on, said Chamber of Commerce Manager Valanne Cardenas.

"We are hoping and praying the storm will blow over by Saturday," Cardenas said.

The 17th annual event is slated to begin at 7 a.m. with a pancake breakfast served at the Corning fire hall at 814 Fifth St.

New this year is the Decorated Cake Contest. Decorated cakes must be delivered to Corning Glass, 1111 Solano St., by 9:30 a.m., with judging taking place at 11:30 p.m., followed by a silent auction. Announcement of winners will be at 3 p.m.

Hometown's annual Art Exhibit, which opens at 11 a.m., has been moved to Edward Jones Financial office, 1201 Solano St.

"We want to thank Lisa Rodriguez for being willing to host the art show at her office," said Cardenas. "Please take note that the location has changed and be sure to stop by Edward Jones to see the artwork of the talented citizens of Corning and Tehama County."

Back by popular demand is the free Hometown Christmas Express train rides, which provide passengers with comfortable travel up and down Solano Street from noon to 4 p.m.

Food and crafts booths at Corning Glass, the Veterans Hall and along Solano Street will provide holiday shopping and a way to fill an appetite throughout the day.

One of those booths will be a food donation booth to benefit Corning Christian Assistance, so come prepared with a sack full of non-perishable food times to help the less fortunate in town.

Children will delight in the variety of activities just for them. From games, animals, face painting and inflatable jumping there will be plenty on hand to keep the youngsters busy.

"If it is raining, we will move as many of the children's activities to Corning Glass as we can," Cardenas said.

The peak of the children's fun will come with the arrival on Santa Claus atop a Corning fire engine at 1 p.m., followed by Santa taking a seat in his local workshop and listening to the wishes of "naughty and nice" little boys and girls. Pictures with Santa will be available.

Be sure to stop by the alcove at City Hall, Solano and Third streets, to behold the Live Nativity, listen to Christmas music and hear the Bible story of Christ's birth.

As daylight winds down and the stars begin to shine, downtown Corning will come aglow with the Parade of Lights.

People from all across the north state arrive for this unique event that features floats, dancers, tractors, drill teams, bands, dogs, horses, wagons, big-rigs, individuals, organizations and clubs all decked out in holiday lights and decor marching down Solano Street from Third Street to Toomes Avenue.

Spectators need to arrive early to secure a seat along the main thoroughfare of town.

"Have you collected all your Corning Hometown Christmas Passport Stamps," asks Cardenas.

The passport stamps activity is part of the Hometown Christmas Sponsor Book. Inside each book are pages with list of participating businesses in town. Residents can take their sponsor book to each listed business, receive a stamp and when their passport pages are full turn it in to the Chamber of Commerce, 1110 Solano St., and receive a free raffle ticket for a prize drawing.

For questions concerning Hometown Christmas call the Chamber of Commerce at 824-5550.