<\/p>\n
Anyone looking to give the gift of local arts and crafts will find them available at the traditional Christmas Bazaar, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Dolores Community Center.<\/p>\n
Fifty-four booths will be set up with gifts, artwork, jewelry, candy and jams, clothing, quilts, textiles, metalwork, Christmas decorations, centerpieces and wreaths, and much more.<\/p>\n
Santa Claus will make an appearance at 11:30 a.m. to visit with kids, pose for photos, and hand out treats. A concession stand for breakfast and lunch will operate. Door prizes will be handed out throughout the event.<\/p>\n
This is the 28th year of the popular event, started and faithfully organized every holiday season by Ruby Gonzales.<\/p>\n
\u201cI first put it together in 1991, and it has become a local tradition ever since,\u201d she said. \u201cIt is one of my favorite events. I love all the beautiful and creative gifts, and everyone is in the holiday spirit.\u201d<\/p>\n
Vendors are from Telluride, Pagosa Springs, Bayfield, Farmington, Dove Creek, Mancos, Cortez and Dolores.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone should come out. You could get all your Christmas shopping done in one day,\u201d Gonzales said. \u201cGiving gifts of locally-made items is always extra special, and it supports all of our artists and crafts people too.\u201d<\/p>\n
Vendor fees go toward upkeep of the community center.<\/p>\n
Also happening in Dolores:<\/p>\n
On Dec. 3, the Rotary Club of Dolores will hold a Christmas Lights Dinner from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Dolores Community Center. The event is a fundraiser for putting up holiday decorations and lights in town, and for maintenance and operations of the \u201cPeace on Earth, Good Will to Men\u201d lighted sign above Dolores. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. A ham dinner with sides will be served along with desserts and a cash bar.<\/em>Money raised will go to replacing damaged wreaths and purchasing more all-weather wreaths. \u201cOur goal is to completely line Railroad Avenue in wreaths,\u201d said Rotary Club president Susan Lisak.<\/p>\n An adopt a wreath or holiday sign program also is underway.<\/p>\n For more information and dinner tickets, go to the Dolores Chamber Facebook page<\/a>.<\/p>\n On Thanksgiving, Nov. 28, burn off some calories before the big feast at the annual Turkey Trot. The event begins at 9 a.m. at the Dolores High School. There will be a 5K and 1-mile run to benefit the Dolores School Backpack food program. Entry fee for the race is a non-perishable food donation.<\/em><\/p>\n