Subtitled:  “…An Annual Tradition”

So.  It’s November (almost 14th).  Which means one week from (almost tomorrow), it will be November 21st.  Which means one week (more or less exactly) after that will be November 28th.  Which is?

Right.  Thanksgiving Day.

REALLY?
Yes.  Thanksgiving Day.  Two (almost) weeks (exactly tomorrow).

Wow.

Here’s what’s up for you around and about…

Larch Mountain Country Artisans Show & Sale
Friday November 22nd – Sunday November 24th
Glen Otto Community Park, Troutdale

This is an annual tradition around these parts and a great show and sale (which, not incidentally, benefits Corbett Schools, Troutdale Parks, and Vista House).  You’ll find everything for everyone on your list among the more than three dozen juried artists and artisans participating.  Hit the site link above to start browsing now, and plan to be here next weekend!  You can have everything wrapped and tucked into the closet before the turkey even comes out of the oven. : )

Black Friday
November 29th
Pretty much everywhere.

If Thanksgiving is November 28th, then November 29th is Black Friday.  While I’ve personally never felt driven to set the alarm for 4 a.m. to go get 2-for-1 socks (or is that the day after Christmas?  That might be the day after Christmas.  Still…), it is my understanding that there are Deals To Be Had and it is therefore Notable.  The Comfort Inn Columbia Gorge Gateway is rumored to be able and willing  to send you off in the wee hours with a bag full of Sustenance so you don’t fall on your nose before you have attended all the needful sales if you think you might need a bed at some point in the festivities.

Scrooge Lives
December 4th and 5th
Mount Hood Community College

I will confess to being a Scrooge Lives novice, however Scrooge Lives has been happening at MHCC for 44 (!) years, so there must be something to it.  Art & craft fair lovers, we’ll see you there…!

Troutdale Christmas Tree Lighting
December 6th
Mayor’s Square; Downtown Troutdale

The Christmas Tree Lighting happens in historic downtown Troutdale in conjunction with the December First Friday Art Walk!  Make the short run up the hill to browse through gifts from local artists and artisans, and enjoy the lighting of the tree.  Don’t eat before you go – our great restaurants will be open!

First Friday Art Walk
December 6th
Downtown Troutdale 5:00p – 9:00p

Troutdale’s First Friday Art Walk for December includes the community Christmas tree lighting, artists out, in, and about the local businesses, great food in the restaurants. and the perfect place for Christmas gifts straight from the hearts that made them without a department store in sight.

YOUR Christmas Tree!
Is a day driving out to those wonderful places on the outskirts of civilization to track down the perfect beautiful tree one of your family’s holiday traditions?

No?  It should be.  While the best tree is always the one farthest from the car (sorry, Dad), there’s something magical about traipsing around in the mud trying to remember where the last good one was and knowing – just being absolutely certain – that the PERFECT tree is just two rows out and four rows over.

It’s a good day.  We’ll point you in the right direction sometime between now and Thanksgiving (acck!  two weeks [almost exactly]!) – promise.

Ease on in, and enjoy this time.