Dolores is expanding its Christmas activities this year.
On Saturday, Dec. 3, the Dolores Community Center will hold its 25th annual gift bazaar from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Organizer Ruby Gonzales said this year there are 50 vendors from all over the Four Corners and beyond. There will be local artwork, hand-made quilts, leatherwork, metalwork, ornaments, jams, breads and many other gift items. Drinks and snacks will be available and there will be door prizes.
“There are a lot of really beautiful things,” Gonzales said. “It’s a perfect place to get all your Christmas shopping done.”
Proceeds from the bazaar benefit the community center.
Also on Dec. 3, the Ginger Jar on Fourth Street will be hosting a cookie exchange from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring in your homemade cookies with a recipe to swap with someone else’s cookies and a new recipe.
On Dec. 10, the town, Dolores Chamber and the Galloping Goose Historical Society will have a Christmas celebration with live music, food, gifts, a bonfire and a visit from Santa in front of Town Hall.
At 5 p.m., the PTA will be selling chili and soup. There will be free hay rides by the FFA to tour the holiday decorations around town. The Galloping Goose will offer storytime and free rides.
At 5:30 p.m., Santa will arrive, and every child receives a generous treat bag courtesy of the Galloping Goose Historical Society. The lighting of the town Christmas tree will be at 6 p.m.
Also at 5:30, there will be a toy and clothes drive. Get in the holiday spirit and donate new toys, books and clothes to be given to local kids. There will be free hot chocolate and cookies and live music by the Dolores High School band and choir.
“This year, we decided to go bigger and better, so we added the live music, hay rides, chili and lighting of the town tree,” said Dolores Mayor Santiago Lopez.
Also on Dec. 10, the Dolores River Brewery will have its annual holiday gift bazaar, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The West Fork Gallery and Yoga House will have an open house.
The annual Dolores holiday lights contest is on again for residential and business categories. Judging will be by Dolores School student government from Dec. 12-Dec. 17 beginning at sundown. Prizes include Empire Electric vouchers.
The Shop Local event is going on through Dec. 17 in town. Shop at participating Dolores merchants for entry into a drawing for $500 in Dolores Dollars.
Participants get one entry for every $10 they spent at participating merchants.
Participating merchants include Chavolitos, Dolores Food Market, Dolores General Store, Dolores Liquors, GST Liquors, Lizardhead Cyclery, Montezuma Mexican Restaurant, Ponderosa restaurant, Traditional Charm Antique Mall, and Red Tail Creations.
