A week of winter whimsy

The first week of December is a busy week in Saratoga for children and adults alike with the Festival of Trees Gala and Auction, Lighted Parade and Winter Wonderland.

The Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce is getting ready for its annual Festival of Trees. The Valley Service Organization (VSO) decorated the Platte Valley Community Center Great Hall over the Thanksgiving weekend. The decorations add a festive backdrop to the centerpieces, gift items and trees that are donated by local businesses, organizations and individuals. Those donating need to have their items set up by 3 p.m. Thursday.

The donations are displayed in the Great Hall from 3-5 p.m., Thursday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday.

The auction benefits Grandma’s Cabin and the Saratoga Parent Teacher Organization (PTO).

Grandma’s Cabin providesschool supplies and volunteers to the Encampment School and the Saratoga Parent Teacher Organization volunteers at the Saratoga Elementary School and hosts numerous events.

The Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce also benefits from proceeds of the auction.

The Gala begins at 6 p.m., Friday with cocktails and appetizers with the auction starting at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $40 per person, with only a few tickets remaining.

Saturday, Santa Claus will be making two appearances, one during the Lighted Christmas Parade and the other at the VSO’s Winter Wonderland.

The parade, led by the American Legion, showcases floats entered by local clubs and businesses. The floats are decorated and lit for the evening parade and include Santa and Mrs. Claus riding one of the floats.

The parade travels through downtown Saratoga on Bridge Avenue and ends at the Platte Valley Community Center where Santa and Mrs. Claus listen to Christmas wishes.

The VSO serves up hot cocoa, coffee, hot dogs and homemade chili and cookies for the children and adults.

Call the chamber at 307-326-8855 to enter the parade or purchase tickets for the Festival of Trees.