Montrose, CO — As the holiday season approaches, City of Montrose staff is double-checking a robust list of activities as preparations continue on a wide variety of upcoming community-related celebrations.
The holiday season begins with the annual Community Christmas Tree lighting, held on the steps of the Historic Montrose County Courthouse, located at 320 South First Street, on Friday, November 29 at 5:30 p.m.
The tree lighting program features Christmas carols performed by area school children, live music, and an appearance from Santa. After the ceremony Santa’s cabin, located at 514 South First Street, will officially open for the season from 7 to 9 p.m. Santa is scheduled to appear at the cabin from 4 to 6 p.m. on December 14, 15, 21, and 22.
On Saturday November 30, portions of Main Street will close to traffic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Small Business Saturday. This date is recognized both nationally and locally as a way to connect local residents to local businesses. Most businesses in the downtown-shopping district are planning special promotions for the holiday season.
City staff is preparing to have live music on multiple street corners on Main Street, free carriage rides, a children's crafts area, and; a live ice-sculpting demonstration during Small Business Saturday. To cap off the list of events, the annual Montrose Bucks sale will be taking place at the Visitor Center pop-up shop located at 324 Main Street. Residents can buy $100 in Montrose Bucks and receive an $20 in Montrose Bucks for free. The promotion is cash-only and each household is allowed a $200 limit, which equals $240 in Montrose Bucks. Montrose Bucks are accepted at most Montrose area retailers. The sale is open while supplies last.
The seasonal festivities continue with the annual Parade of Lights scheduled for December 7 at 5:30 p.m. along historic Main Street. The annual parade draws thousands to downtown Montrose. This year the city has received applications for several dozen floats participating in the parade.
This year's parade theme is "A Very Vintage Christmas," and will feature many unique floats representing Montrose, from illuminated automobiles to themed entries featuring concepts from agriculture to the arts. Santa, as always, will make an appearance at the end of the parade.
Main Street will be closed from the intersection at Stough Avenue running west to Rio Grande Avenue, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The city asks residents to use caution when driving in the downtown area due to the large gatherings of pedestrians in the area.
For those participating in the parade, here are a few quick reminders:.
• Arrival time is between 3:30 and 5:15 p.m. City organizers appreciate all who can arrive early, because it helps ensure that the city will get each float/group in line before the start of the parade. Latecomers risk not being checked in by 5:15 p.m., and not being reviewed by the judges.
• Float, vehicle, and walking entries will line up at North 9th Street and North Nevada Avenue.
• Livestock and vehicle clubs will line up on North 2nd Street near the Montrose County Fairgrounds.
• The parade will continue on its usual route starting at McDonald’s, located at North Stough Avenue, and end at Rio Grande Avenue starting at 5:30 p.m.
The parade judges will be located on the north side of the intersection of Main Street and Cascade Avenue. They will review every float that is checked in per the instructions above. The city will announce the winning floats that night via Facebook.
As the Christmas holiday nears, another great family activity can be found in the Garden of Lights held at the Montrose Botanical Gardens at 1800 Pavilion Drive on December 14, 21, 22, 23, 26, and 27, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Garden of Lights features unique lighting displays paired with the organic infrastructure of the botanical garden grounds including a tunnel of lights and illuminated garden paths.
Horse-drawn wagon rides, hot drinks, live music, and; appearances by Santa and holiday storytellers are also planned.
Admission for children under four years of age is free. Children ages 5-18 are $3, adult admission is $5, and admission for a family of four (up to two adults) is $12. Tickets are available at Camelot Gardens, located at 16612 South Townsend Ave, and at Fabula, located at 317 East Main Street. For more information visit MontroseGardens.org.
For more information on all holiday events and to register a float visit CityofMontrose.org/Holidays.
For more city news visit: CityOfMontrose.org.