Day 313 of 365…

wOw! It is now December 26th. Where did 2010 go? Now that Christmas has passed it’s time to gear up for the New Year. According to the website, THE place to be is the 2010 Mayor’s New Year’s Eve Ball. It takes place at the Hilton Convention Center downtown Vancouver, WA. According to the site:

Hors d’oeuvres, Party Favors, No-host bar, Silent Auction, Midnight Toast, Dancing, and Live Music featuring the award winning Sonny Hess, Lady Kat, and the Smokin’ True Blue Band. Keepsake photographs will also be available at an additional cost.

A portion of the proceeds from this year’s signature event will benefit the “Everybody Plays Scholarship Program with the Vancouver Clark Parks and Recreation Department“.

This event is $95 per person. You can register for the 2010 Mayor’s New Year’s Eve Ball here. The ball kicks off at 7pm and the festivities run until 1am. Ring in the New Year in style downtown Vancouver with Mayor Tim Leavitt.

The Mayor’s New Year’s Eve Ball takes place at the Hilton Convention Center, 301 West 6th Street, Vancouver, WA 98660.

Day 299 of 365…

As Christmas draws nearer I thought I’d highlight a few local Christmas Tree U-Cut farms around town. One in the East, one centrally located and one on the West side. I know there are lots of U-Cut Christmas Tree farms out there and this certainly isn’t a complete directory. It’s just a few family owned and operated farms that I’m familiar with and are more popular around town.

Hilltop Trees

Hilltop Trees is located on the East side of town in Hockinson. This family owned tree farm is unique in they have a fixed price on all their trees. No matter what size tree you get it is $35. No looking for price tags or wondering “how tall is that one”? They offer Douglas Firs and Noble Firs and have all different sizes. They also have a nice indoor area for petting and viewing baby farm animals. Today I got to see a 4 day old baby goat. She is adorable! They are open DAILY from 9am until dark between now and Christmas.

Hilltop Trees is located at 18814 NE 139th Street, Brush Prairie, WA, 98606. You can connect with Hilltop Trees on Facebook.

Thorntons’ Treeland

Thorntons’ Treeland is a very large tree farm. They offer a wide variety of trees like Douglas Fir, Noble Fir, Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir, Grand Fir, and Nordmann Fir. Each type of tree is priced differently depending upon size. They have price tags on each tree that is available and you can get a hay ride around the property if you so desire. They also offer farm animal viewing as well as hot cocoa to warm you up. If you need help with a tree stand they also sell stands and will get your tree ready to put up as soon as you get home. Thorntons’ is also open from 9am until dark DAILY between now and Christmas.

Thorntons’ Treeland is locate at 7617 NE 119th Street, Vancouver, WA, 98662. You can connect with Thorntons’ Treeland on Facebook.

The Tree Wiseman’s

The Tree Wiseman’s tree farm is another large scale farm that’s great to wander around in. They are located on the upper West side of Clark County in Ridgefield. They specialize in large Noble Firs up to 15+ feet in height. Sometimes it can be difficult to find the truly tall trees so this is a great place to check out. They also grow Grand Fir, Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir and Nordmann Fir. They offer flat rate pricing up to certain heights and then a per foot increase over the flat rate heights. The Tree Wiseman’s is open DAILY as well between now and Christmas Eve. They open at 10am on weekdays and 8am on the weekends.

The Tree Wiseman’s is located at 26500 NE 53rd Avenue in Ridgefield, WA. You can connect with The Tree Wiseman’s on Facebook.

Each of these tree farms offers additional things beyond what is shared here. Depending upon your location I’d recommend you create a new family tradition by visiting one of these local family businesses. Make sure you visit with them as that is half the fun.

Day 295 of 365…

Watch as over 47,000 Christmas lights dance to the sounds of Amazing Grace, Winter Wonderland, Carol of the Bells and more great Christmas tunes. You can see this fabulous display at Magical Lights On 63rd Street. This labor of love is truly worth going to see. Everything is computerized and all the lights are totally synced with the music.

I had the chance to visit with Brandon (creator and owner) for a few minutes tonight and you can tell he really loves what he does for the community. His requests are simple, respect his property, respect his neighbors and if you can please donate to Make-A-Wish. You can either leave a donation in the box at his house or you can donate to Make-A-Wish through this link. Last year he raised about $1,500 for them. Let’s see if we can help double that number this year!

I stayed to watch the entire cycle of songs and it lasts about 20 minutes. Whether you drive through or walk it’s a great show. If you’re in your car you can tune your radio to 88.5 FM and enjoy in the warmth and dryness or he plays the music from the house as well.

Amazing Grace from Magical Lights on 63rd St on Vimeo.

The show runs seven days a week until December 28th! Sunday through Thursday it plays non-stop from 5pm to 9pm and Friday and Saturday it runs from 5pm to 10pm.

Magical Lights On 63rd Street is located at 16304 NE 63rd Street, Vancouver, WA 98682. You can also connect to Magical Lights On 63rd Street on Facebook.

Carol of the Bells from Magical Lights on 63rd St on Vimeo.

Day 293 of 365…

It’s once again time for our Annual Christmas Ship Parade! This is the 56th Annual event that runs along the Columbia River and also the Willamette River. Since this site is all about Vancouver, WA we’ll be focusing on the Columbia River schedule as it pertains to us.

If you aren’t familiar with the Christmas Ships each year boat owners ranging from smaller boats clear up to larger yachts decorate their boats and sail the Columbia River for our viewing pleasure. This year the event runs from December 9th through December 21st, 2010. There will be between 55 and 60 ships participating in the parade each night. Check out this fun video showing a little of the parade from last year.

There are outdoor places that you can watch the Christmas Ships along the Columbia River like Wintler Park, Marine Park, all along the Columbia Waterfront Trail and down at the Vancouver Landing Amphitheater. You can also enjoy a nice meal or dessert while sitting in the warmth of Beaches or The Quay Restaurant and Bar. You can also connect to the Christmas Ship Parade on Facebook.

Thursday, December 9th – I-5 Bridge area, Hayden Bay
At 7:00PM, the Columbia Fleet assembles in front of James M. Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive and turns at the east end of the parking lot to head downriver to the I-5 Bridge Area, arriving at approximately 7:30 PM.

Monday, December 13th – I-5 Bridge area, Hayden Bay
At 7:00PM, the Columbia Fleet assembles in front of James M. Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive and turns at the east end of the parking lot to head downriver to the I-5 Bridge Area, arriving at approximately 7:30 PM.

Tuesday, December 14th – I-205 Bridge, 164th Ave on Washington side
At 7:00PM, the Columbia fleet assembles in front of the James M. Gleason Boat Ramp, NE 43rd/Marine Drive and heads upriver to the I-205 Bridge, and will turn back at about SW 164th Ave on the Washington side.

Wednesday, December 15th – I-5 Bridge area, Hayden Bay
At 7:00PM, the Columbia Fleet assembles in front of James M. Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive and turns at the east end of the parking lot to head downriver to the I-5 Bridge Area, arriving at approximately 7:30 PM.

Thursday, December 16th – James M Gleason Boat Ramp, WA shoreline, Wintler Park, I-5 Bridge area
Columbia Fleet assembles in front of James M. Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive. Tonight the fleet will remain the first hour in the area of the boat ramp, and across the river to the Washington Shoreline. About 8:00PM, the parade will head downriver to the area of the I-5 Bridge. The fleet will be out for about two hours tonight.

Monday, December 20th – James M Gleason Boat Ramp, WA Shores, Wintler Park, I-5 Bridge area
Both the Columbia and Willamette fleets will assemble in front of James M. Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive. Tonight the fleet will remain the first hour in the area of the boat ramp, and across the river to the Washington Shoreline and about 8:00PM, head to the restaurants in the area of the I-5 Bridge.

Tuesday, December 21 – I-5 Bridge area/Hayden Bay
Both the Columbia and Willamette fleets assemble in front of James M. Gleason Boat Ramp, 43rd/NE Marine Drive and turns at the east end of the parking lot to head downriver to the I-5 Bridge Area, arriving at approximately 7:30 PM.

Day 288 of 365…

It’s December! The month of bazaars, festivals and community celebrations. This Saturday, December 4th, 2010 is the Annual Ridgefield Home Town Celebration Art & Craft Bazaar. So after you put out your Walk and Knock bags of food for collection you need to head into Ridgefield and check out this fun family day.

The Home Town Celebration includes horse carriage rides, holiday singers, all the arts and crafts at the bazaar plus Santa even shows up! They also light the community Christmas Tree as part of the days events. The Home Town Celebration takes place from 9am until 4pm.

All these festivities take place at the Ridgefield Community Center located at 210 North Main Avenue, Ridgefield, WA 98642.

Day 286 of 365…

This Wednesday, December 1st (did I really just type December?) is a great Artisan shopping opportunity with the added bonus of helping out the Shahala Middle School PTO. Their Annual Holiday Shopping Showcase takes place from 5pm to 9pm at The Quarry Senior Living center in Columbia Tech Center. Actually it opens at 4pm for the residents of The Quarry and then to the public at 5pm. This is a FREE event and they will have approximately 45 local vendors that you will be able to buy Christmas gifts from. All sorts of local handmade items and artsy things. Imagine live Etsy shopping.

The Shahala Orchestra will be there between 4pm and 6pm performing various holiday tunes and their Jazz Choir will perform at various times between 6pm and 7:30pm. Their will be wine tasting and massage happening as well. At least 10% of all the proceeds the vendors get will go directly to the Shahala Middle School PTO. You can get some great shopping done from local vendors and artists and help support a local school in the process. It’s a win/win.

Shahala Holiday Shopping Showcase takes place at The Quarry which is located at 415 SE 177th Avenue, Vancouver, WA. You can connect with the Shahala PTO Holiday Showcase on Facebook too!

Day 285 of 365…

Since 1976 the Vancouver Dance Theatre has been entertaining us with dance. Each year they perform a Spring Show and a Holiday Show. It’s that time again for The Nutcracker to come to life and wow us all with a little Christmas magic.

I’ve seen this show many times over the years and it’s always wonderful. Grab your tickets early or get them at the door. Just make sure and plan to support our local dancers and enjoy this timeless classic.

The Nutcracker shows on:
Friday, December 3rd at 7pm
Saturday, December 4th at 2pm and 7pm
Sunday, December 5th at 2pm

Adult tickets are $12, 18 and under are $10 and 65 and older are also $10. The auditorium at Fort Vancouver is located on the far west side of the school.

The Nutcracker will be performed at Fort Vancouver High School located at 5700 E 18th Street, Vancouver, WA. Tickets are available at Beacock Music, Music World and also at the door.

Day 278 of 365…

Yesterday I shared about the annual lighting of the Vancouver Christmas Tree in Esther Short Park and today I though it would be good to share about the FREE holiday music concert you can attend after the ceremony. Even though it is free they are requesting everyone bring non-perishable food donations to share with those in our community who are in need.

Vancouver Pops Orchestra will be bringing us a full lineup of holiday music at 7pm on Friday, November 26th. This will take place at Vancouver Hilton just south of Esther Short Park. This will be a great way to kick off the Christmas season with some wonderful music. Thanksgiving will have just ended which makes it just the right time! Come down and discover the Joy Of Music.

In honor of today’s snow (that some of you got) I thought this was a perfect “pre-holiday” tune to play for everyone. Just a little something to start getting you in the spirit…

The Vancouver Pops Concert takes place at Vancouver Hilton located at 301 W. 6th Street, Vancouver, WA 98660.

To each of the men in this show, I love you very much!

(You might also like to check out my “Pre-Veteran’s Day” post as well.)

They Did Their Share

On Veteran’s Day we honor
Soldiers who protect our nation.
For their service as our warriors,
They deserve our admiration.

Some of them were drafted;
Some were volunteers;
For some it was just yesterday;
For some it’s been many years;

In the jungle or the desert,
On land or on the sea,
They did whatever was assigned
To produce a victory.

Some came back; some didn’t.
They defended us everywhere.
Some saw combat; some rode a desk;
All of them did their share.

No matter what the duty,
For low pay and little glory,
These soldiers gave up normal lives,
For duties mundane and gory.

Let every veteran be honored;
Don’t let politics get in the way.
Without them, freedom would have died;
What they did, we can’t repay.

We owe so much to them,
Who kept us safe from terror,
So when we see a uniform,
Let’s say “thank you” to every wearer.

By Joanna Fuchs