Friday will seem just like old times when a beloved annual holiday tradition returns to Colusa after a lengthy hiatus.
Christmas Tyme in Colusa (originally billed as Old Tyme Christmas) will get underway at 6 PM in downtown Colusa with music, entertainment, vendors, kids activities, games, and street food.
The Colusa Lions Club and Colusa Rotary Club have pulled together once again to put on an event that is bigger and better than ever before, thanks to greater participation and help this year from the City of Colusa, the Colusa County Chamber of Commerce, and a diverse group of new volunteers who have stepped up to help.
“We are really looking forward to this event,” said Chairman Chad Nall, of the Colusa Lions Club.
Market Street will be closed to vehicle traffic about 5 PM for vendors to set up on both sides and down the middle of the street.
Entertainment is slated on the 6th Street stage, with the Industrial Drive band kicking off the festivities at 6 PM.
Stardust Dance will perform at 6:40 PM, followed by a jazz band.
Colusa Mayor Josh Hill, Nall, Lions, and Rotarian’s will gather for the tree lighting ceremony at the historic Colusa County Courthouse around 6:30-6:40 PM, where event sponsors will be announced, and Santa Claus will make his official entry.
Nall said kids are welcome to meet Santa Claus in his makeshift village on the steps of the Courthouse for candy canes and photos against a beautiful Christmas backdrop.
The Kids Zone will be in the Davison Drug Store parking lot, where tots can play in the “snow” and other games, get balloons and have their faces painted.
This year, the City of Colusa’s hanging S’more Station will be utilized by Colusa scouts, in front of Davison’s. The club will have prepackaged s’more kits available for $2.
More than 50 craft, food, and novelty vendors will have merchandise for sale.
Christmas Tyme in Colusa is the first community gathering to officially kick off the holidays, and will be followed by the Arbuckle Hometown Holiday Stroll on Saturday, Dec. 4, the Festival of Lights in Williams on Saturday, Dec. 11, and the Maxwell Country Christmas and Tractor Parade on Friday, Dec. 17.
Nall said Colusa is expected to have great weather Friday for an outdoor evening gathering, and everyone is invited to come down and enjoy the festivities. There is no cost to attend the event.
The annual Colusa event was shortened due to rain in 2019 and canceled in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning it’s been three years since the community really celebrated this beloved annual holiday tradition. ■