Cover Story
The Month Before Christmas
by Jingle Cat

T’was the month before Christmas and all through the streets of Boulder City, not a creature was stirring, but just those welcomed tourists.  I was taking a little cat nap by the gas log fireplace and realized it was still too warm to rest there, so I decided to go for a little stroll through BC.  I visited with some of my friends in their shops and restaurants and found many preparing for a great holiday season.  Yes, it has been a hard year, but we’re looking forward to a time of “good cheer” and fun events in our phenomenal little City.

Now of course my favorite event is the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Frank Crowe Park… mainly because I get to be the Star!  It is my job each year to light the beautifully lit City Tree (thanks to the City workers that do such a great job decorating) and start the season off with a great party.  The Chamber ladies usually have hot cocoa and if you bring a canned-good to donate to Emergency Aid of Boulder City, the ladies will give you a fun glow-in-the-dark prize for the kids to play with during the party.  Last year, Santa made a surprise appearance with me too, so it was a very fun night for all.  This year, bring your cameras and we’ll take a few pictures after we get the tree lit.  We’ll start the holidays off right on Friday, December 4th at 6 pm and then once we finish up there, come with me to the Night of Lights at St. Jude’s and help their families celebrate this time of year.

Once I get home Friday night, I go straight to my kitty bed and get some rest, because the next day, Saturday, December 5th is such a full day of adventure!  First, I head over to Bicentennial Park at 11 am and help Santa and the kids take pictures.  Santa told me last year that while the kids were sitting on his lap, so many of them are so kind and don’t always want toys for themselves, but often want things for others to make them happy.  Our kids here in BC are great!  While we’re in the park until 2 pm taking pictures, I sometimes hide over at the Doodlebug Bazaar in the Recreation Center and wait for kids to find me and their goodie bags.  They will hunt and hunt just to get a hug from me and to check out that annual fun-filled coloring book that is sponsored by Chamber members.  Last year there were coloring contests and coupons on the pages of the coloring book, so watch out for the excitement this year and be sure to support those Chamber member businesses.

Then Santa and I take a little cat nap and I get a good brushing in preparation for Santa’s Electric Night Parade. It’s that same night, December 5th at 4:30 pm.  I love the parade because I get to see all my friends along the streets of the Historic District.  I also love all the lights that the parade entrants put on their floats and vehicles.  Every year I see more creative ways to light up the night.  The celebrity in me loves being on TV with BCTV and Cox Cable.  Mr. Steve Schorr and past Councilman Mike Pacini will again be narrating the parade for television and surprise guests will be announcing the parade all along the route.  This parade is a great way to advertise your business or event to the public.  It’s also fun to see families enter and get creative with their decorations.  As we leave the parade route, we’ll be coasting down the hill toward Lake Mead to watch the exquisite boats cross the channel donned with their Christmas lights for the annual Parade of Lights sponsored by the Lake Mead Boaters Association.  The reflection on the water of the pretty, twinkly lights makes me smile and purr.

From there, Santa and I head to the Pole to get the sleigh loaded and prepare for the BIG night.  Mrs. Claus usually tries to give me a bath… yuk!  But that way I’m pretty and white for the big day.  On that night, December 11th at 6 pm, the Boulder City Chamber volunteers honor the season with the Luminaria and Los Posadas event in Bicentennial Park.  Over 100 luminarias are lit and line the park.  I think it’s even more spectacular than the electric night parade.  I can hear their angelic voices singing all the way up here at the Pole as they perform holiday music and portray a live re-enactment of the Nativity.  What a special night to come together as a community to enjoy this warming season. Make sure you bring your blankets to sit on and wear warm clothes.  They’ll have hot chocolate and music books for you to use as they sing carols.

This year, I’m going to make sure I get out to Santa’s Train at the Depot on the weekends and go for a ride with all the kids.  I won’t forget to get my tickets to the Nutcracker at the Boulder Theater to watch my little sugarplum friends.  I’m also looking forward to the 5th Graders coming into the Historic District for their big annual shopping trip on King Kids Day, December 17th and 18th. With all the things happening in our town, it’s a good thing the Chamber keeps a Master Calendar on their website with all the events.  www.bouldercitychamber.com is sure helpful for Mrs. Claus and I to keep up with everything.