KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The Kelseyville Business Association is proud to present the 19th annual Merchant Open House and Parade of Light on Friday, Dec. 7.
The event will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Main Street.
This old-fashioned holiday evening has become the perfect way to begin the Christmas season.
At 5:30 p.m. leisurely stroll through town where the merchants open their doors to welcome all with free cocoa or cider, holiday cookies and treats, while Christmas music and holiday scents of bayberry, pine and spiced cider mingle in the crisp winter air.
Before and after the parade enjoy a free mule drawn wagon ride decorated with lights and bells from Eleven Roses Ranch. The relaxed country atmosphere will take you back to the simple beauty of holidays past.
At 6:30 p.m. be prepared for the biggest and best Parade of Lights in Lake County.
Watch Santa start the parade in grand fashion as the dazzling parade delights the young and the young at heart.
Follow the end of the parade down to the Kelseyville Fire House and watch Santa light the now 2-year-old town Christmas Tree.
Santa will walk across the street to Westamerica Bank where the children and families will be entertained with holiday music by David Neft, Lake County’s Music Man, while the little ones wait to sit with Jolly Old St. Nick and ask for that special something.
Dawn Smith, owner of ColorSplash Photos, will take children or family photos. Smith donates all the profits each year to purchase toys for Lake County Foster Children.
Also in Westamerica Bank, Carolyn Morris will have an art display of her painting and prints. They make wonderful gifts. One of her paintings is the poster that is used each year of the Kelseyville Christmas Parade and it captures all the magic of the town.
Kelseyville Presbyterian Church, behind Westamerica Bank, will have the now famous chili and chowder dinner for a small fee to warm all who attend from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., or stop by St Peters Catholic Church on the next block past Westamerica Bank and enjoy hot dogs and beans and other holiday treats.
John’s Market across from Wildhurst Tasting Room will have a barbecue (weather permitting). One block west of Johns Market, the Kelseyville United Methodist Church and Unitarian Universalist Community will have free treats and a choir singing holiday songs; bring some canned food to help support their holiday food baskets for local families in need.
Across the street at Saw Shop Gallery Bistro, stop in and see the miniature quilt display then just a little further down by the bridge, stop in to Kelseyville Pharmacy for homemade cookies and treats and see all the beautiful Christmas ornaments and gifts.
Come and enjoy an old fashioned Christmas in the Country. If it’s raining bring an umbrella.
To participate in the parade contact Mike Linnell at 707-279-4506 or 707-355-0272. For more info about the event contact Mary Morse at 707-279-8559.