Weekend of holiday cheer ahead
By Donna Beth Weilenman
Staff Reporter
From the lighting of the evergreen at the foot of First Street to the Christmas Parade next week, Benicia’s holiday celebration is in full swing.
While Benicia Main Street helped the city start its holiday commercial activities the Saturday before Thanksgiving with “Earlier Than The Bird” promotions, many residents have been looking forward to the events that take place this week.
First Street merchants, Main Street and the city have collaborated again for the popular downtown Holiday Open House that begins at 6 p.m. Friday.
The street will be closed to motorized traffic so pedestrians can browse up and down the local stores, where merchants will be offering refreshments.
Vehicles will need to be moved off First street by 5 p.m. Friday, and signs will be posted to remind motorists of the event.
Carols and other music will be performed by costumed performers, and downtown visitors may take carriage rides for $3 for adults and $1 for those younger than 12. Special booths will be set up for wine and beer tasting. The evergreen at the foot of First Street will be lit about 6:30 p.m., after which Kris Kringle and the Mistletones will play holiday music.
The Benicia Capitol Historic State Park, 115 West G St., will be decorated for the Holiday Open House, and admission to the Capitol will be free from 6-9 p.m. Friday, during which visitors may take self-guided tours. Donations that will be given to the Benicia State Parks Association for its interpretive events will be accepted.
SolTrans, the agency that operates transit systems in Benicia and Vallejo, will have three special bus routes to Benicia’s Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting Friday. Called Sleigh Ride 15, Sleigh Ride 17 and Sleigh Ride 19, the special routes will operate from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Day passes will be sold for $1, and cash fares will be 25 cents per boarding. Those interested may visit the SolTrans website, where printable schedules and maps are available. Schedule information also is available by calling 707-648-4666.
Parents who need to do some shopping while their children are elsewhere can drop their youngsters off during Holiday Parents’ Night Out at Northgate Christian Fellowship, 2201 Lake Herman Road. Admission for children is $5. Youngsters may have their pictures taken with Santa Claus, play in machine-made show, sing Christmas carols, visit with Santa’s elves and dance in confetti as well as have dinner in addition to the party.
Benicia’s Christmas Parade and Holiday Market will be Dec. 14 on First Street.
The parade, featuring local bands, dancers, decorated vehicles and Santa Claus, will start at 10 a.m. at First and D streets, and will travel north to H Street.
The Holiday Market gives shoppers a chance to buy handcrafted items and gourmet gifts from more than 60 vendors on First Street between B and D streets.
Among the items for sale will be plants, fashion accessories, handmade jewelry, home decor, paintings and antiques. Those coming to First Street for the Parade and Holiday Market also may visit the Capitol Dec. 14, where St. Nicholas will be at the Fisher-Hanlon House from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free.
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St Paul’s will also be open for its annual Chili Dinner, sponsored by the men’s group. Proceeds go to the Community Meal and youth outreach programs. Parish Hall is open at 5 – a great way to “warm up” and start the trek down First Street!
Given what happened on Larkin Drive this morning I think that these ‘festivities’ should be cancelled out of respect.