Trying to keep shoppers close to home this season
Emporium: Christmas In The Valley
Local businesses and community organizations

are teaming up once again to celebrate the Christmas season in style. Several twists have been added to traditional events for this year's Christmas in the Valley.

"Love Lights a Tree" kicks off the holiday season on Saturday, Nov. 25, at 7:30 p.m. American Cancer Society Relay for Life teams will light a tree next to Emporium Pharmacy on Fourth Street. Luminaries will light the way from Broad to Walnut streets.

Christmas Corner will return this year. Every Saturday in December, non-profit groups will sell soup and hot dogs during lunchtime. Winners of the raffle will be announced Dec. 16.

Emporium Fire Department Auxiliary Craft Show will take place Dec. 2.

The Family Center will sponsor Family Craft Night on Dec. 5, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Episcopal Parish Hall.

Residents and businesses are eligible to enter the Holiday Decorating Contest. Judges will spend Saturday, Dec. 9, touring the county. Certificates will be awarded for best business display, residential display and door.

Santa's Breakfast returns to the firehall on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 9:00 to noon.

Also on Dec. 9, the annual Christmas Parade steps off at 12:30. A snow princess and snow queen will be crowned. The princess will be selected from elementary-age girls. Clubs at Cameron County High School will nominate representatives for queen.

The Family Center will host "Bingo for Books" at the Episcopal Parish Hall on Dec. 14, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Activities wind down on Dec. 21, when the Family Center sponsors Caroling at Grove House and Guy and Mary Felt Manor.

Christmas in the Valley is sponsored by Cameron County Chamber of Commerce.