From trees to hospitality: What’s ahead in Cambria for the holidays

The holidays hit North Coast with a bang Thursday, Nov. 26, with the annual free turkey-and-fixings dinner donated, prepared and served by volunteers at the Veterans Memorial Building, 1000 Main St.

Anybody can partake of the traditional meal and sharing time with hundreds of other North Coast residents and visitors.

Meal service is from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with any leftovers distributed to those who bring their own containers to the hall right after serving stops (and the all-important cleanup starts).

For details, call chef-coordinator Daun Putney at 927-4064.

Mangia! And happy Thanksgiving!

Christmas Market

Then Cambria gears up for lots of festive holiday celebrations, starting Friday, Nov. 27, with the opening of the Cambria Christmas Market (see story, Page 1).

Tree auction

A few days later, at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, enthusiastic participants converge on the Vets Hall to try outbidding one another during the Chamber of Commerce’s annual Festival of Trees live auction of holiday décor, including fully dressed-up trees of various sizes.

The evening of entertainment includes plenty of food and fine wines, all showcased in a wonderland of decorated trees. Molly Pasutti will be doing sing-along carols.

Tickets, $25, are available at the chamber office, 767 Main St. For details and tickets, call 927-3624.

The live-auction items are created by volunteers. In the past, bidding has been spirited and good-natured, with an expected edge of competitiveness. Comedian Jill Turnbow is the auctioneer, which adds another level of fun.

Funds raised from the live auction benefit various nonprofits and charities (selected for each tree by its designer-creator). In years past, the “pay it forward” concept has flourished at the event, with some trees being won and donated back for additional bidding.

A separate silent auction raises money for chamber functions.

Christmas in Cambria

Dec. 1 also marks the start of the monthlong “Christmas in Cambria,” with townwide decorations, holiday lights and frequent discounts, sales and giveaway prizes.

Hospitality Night

The annual downtown holiday open house starts at 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, as shops, restaurants, galleries and other establishments stay open late to welcome and thank the people who have supported them all year long.

The free Hospitality Night includes tree-lighting ceremonies, carolers, food, fun and festivities. Some shops offer discounts.

To help combat the parking crush, the free Cambria Trolley will run between East and West village from 5 to 8:30 p.m.

▪ A chili cookoff will be held from 4 to p.m. at the chamber office, 767 Main St. Town Criers Jerry and Bev Praver launch the evening there at 5:30 p.m., with Santa Claus.

▪ Santa also arrives at 5:30 p.m. by fire engine to the Cambria Historical Museum, Burton Drive at Center Street. Afterward, sit on his lap and get a free photo.

▪ The Fitzgerald Sisters and musicians will perform all along Main Street.

▪ Cambria Chorale sings for the season at 6 p.m. at the Joslyn Center, 950 Main St.

▪ Sons of American Legion provides hot dogs at the corner of Main and Burton.

▪ Cambria Library opens from 6 to 8 p.m., with refreshments and live music, provided by flautist Miriam Grisso of Symphonic Winds.

▪ Cambria’s Dancers by the Sea flash-dance troupe performs at 6:15 p.m. by Robin’s Restaurant, 4095 Burton Drive; 6:45 p.m. at The Real Estate Company of Cambria (2080 Main St.); and 7 p.m. at Arlington and Main streets.

▪ Free photos at an Airstream trailer booth at the Love Story Project, 734 Main St.

▪ Cambria Center for the Arts, 1350 Main, art show opens at 5:30 p.m.

Kids’ Christmas party

The annual free Christmas party for children, sponsored by the Cambria Lions Club, American Legion Post No. 432 and the Cambria Community Council is Saturday, Dec. 5, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Pinedorado Grounds next to the Vets Hall.

There’ll be free food, entertainment, toys and games, and a visit from Santa Claus, who will listen to want lists and hand out goodies.

This story was originally published November 23, 2015 at 6:22 PM with the headline "From trees to hospitality: What’s ahead in Cambria for the holidays."