Expanded hours, new attractions planned for Dec. 5
COLUSA, CA (MPG) – Christmas Tyme Colusa is breaking from tradition this year, moving its annual downtown holiday festival from Friday evening to Saturday, Dec. 5, with expanded hours, additional activities and a new gingerbread house competition.
The festival will run from 3 to 9 p.m. along Main Street, giving visitors an opportunity to enjoy the event during daylight hours before the evening festivities.
Jack Cunningham of the Colusa County Chamber of Commerce said organizers made the change to improve event setup, reduce disruptions to downtown businesses and make the festival more accessible to residents.
“We wanted to help with the logistics of setting the event up and having the least impact on the businesses on that street,” Cunningham said, explaining that parked vehicles have complicated vendor setup in previous years.
Moving the event to Saturday allows organizers to close the street earlier and gives vendors more time to prepare before visitors arrive.
Cunningham said the afternoon hours also provide an opportunity for seniors and families with young children to attend before dark.
“I think that’s the greatest benefit with daytime hours, is that it makes it a lot more accessible for seniors and families with young children,” Cunningham said.
The extended schedule could also benefit participating vendors by increasing selling hours and attracting visitors from outside Colusa County.
“I think it really will open up a lot of opportunities for growth,” Cunningham said.
Despite the schedule change, the festival will retain its traditional holiday attractions, including Santa’s Village, entertainment, food vendors, holiday shopping and a Christmas tree lighting.
The Lions Club plans to expand its holiday display and activities, while the Assembly of God Church will operate this year’s Kids Zone. Organizers are also working to finalize the entertainment lineup and welcome inquiries from community performers.
One of the largest additions is the inaugural gingerbread house competition, which will take place in the banquet room at Rocco’s.
Participants must provide their own materials and may assemble portions of their gingerbread houses at home before completing them during the designated setup period. The competition will feature multiple judging categories, a grand prize and cash awards.
Cunningham said organizers hope the contest will become an annual tradition and encourage more families to take an active role in the festivities.
Organizers are also seeking additional market and food vendors. The holiday market will feature handmade goods, locally produced items, artisan products, specialty merchandise and vintage items.
Market vendor spaces cost $40 for a 10-by-10-foot space, with additional spaces available upon request. Food vendor spaces cost $200, and organizers are particularly interested in expanding the variety of food offerings.
According to event information, previous attendance has topped 6,000 visitors.
Local nonprofit organizations can participate at no charge along Fifth Street, where organizers plan to establish “Nonprofit Way.” The area will provide organizations with opportunities to share information about their programs and recruit volunteers.
Volunteers are also needed to assist with setup, visitor assistance, vendor coordination and holiday activities.
Christmas Tyme Colusa takes place Saturday, Dec. 5, from 3 to 9 p.m. on Main Street in downtown Colusa.
For vendor applications, volunteer opportunities, competition information and additional details, visit http://www.christmastymecolusa.com or contact the Colusa County Chamber of Commerce at (530) 458-5525.