By CHERYL ROMANO/YachatsNews
WALDPORT — More than half a dozen events will bring special cheer to Waldport this holiday season, courtesy of Beachcomber Days.
As in years past, the community nonprofit is sponsoring a Christmas bridge walk over the Alsea Bridge, followed by the city tree lighting, an artists and vendors bazaar, a gingerbread man cookie decorating event, and a Christmas light parade during the first two weeks of December. All the events are free and family-friendly.
“Our holiday celebrations get bigger and more popular every year,” said Beachcomber secretary TiAnne Rios of Seal Rock, Beachcomber secretary.
For example, more than 70 vendors signed up for the Dec. 9 bazaar by Nov. 1, necessitating a cut-off.
About 15 core Beachcomber volunteers work on the holiday events.
“We’re very grateful to Crestview Elementary (site of the bazaar), to the city, the chamber of commerce, Our Savior Lutheran Church (site of a post-walk reception) and Eclectic Hair Salon for their help,” Rios said.
The event schedule is:
Friday, Dec. 1:
1-6 p.m.: Open house at the Alsea Bay Bridge Interpretive Center; Santa will be on hand for photos from 3-5 p.m.
5 p.m.: Lighting of city of Waldport Christmas tree;
5-6 p.m.: Candlelight Bridge Walk, Alsea Bridge with a reception following at Alsea Bay Bridge Interpretive Center and Our Savior Lutheran Church, 38 N. Bayview Road.
Saturday, Dec. 9:
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Christmas bazaar at Crestview Heights Elementary School gym, 2750 S. Crestline Drive. Artists and vendors will offer artwork, wreaths, pottery, jewelry, textiles and more. From noon to 2 p.m., kids will be able to make (and take away) their own Christmas stockings at no charge.
Sunday, Dec. 10
2-4 p.m. In conjunction with the Central Coast Fire volunteer’s association, there will be gingerbread cookie decorating at the Central Coast Fire Station, 125 N. Alsea Highway. Kids of all ages are invited for a hot cocoa bar, photos with Santa and a Santa letter-writing station.
Friday, Dec. 15
Christmas light parade. Staging begins at 5 p.m. at the Port of Alsea parking lot; the parade starts at 5:30 p.m. The parade winds through the streets of downtown Waldport.