Bikers officially kick off toy drive - Christmas events will

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Bikers officially kick off toy drive - Christmas events will include parade, contests
Wednesday, November 22, 2006 - By Wendy Ledbetter - Nevada County Picayune - picayune-times.com



Christmas may be more than a month away, but the Christmas season in Prescott is about to kick off with some serious competitions, events and fun.

The annual toy drive is being sponsored by the Ila Upchurch Foundation with the Nevada County Picayune providing support. The toy drive got off to a fabulous start with the arrival in Prescott of a group of motorcyclists bringing toys and cash for the drive. The group provided a significant stash of toys and approximately $340 in cash for the drive.

According to information from the Ila Upchurch Foundation, children, families with children aged 2 to 12 years may sign up for gifts. Applications are available at the Nevada County Picayune office, 100 E. Elm St. or from any Ila Upchurch member.

Anyone who wants to donate to the toy drive can drop off cash, toys, jackets or hats at the Picayune office or by contacting any member of the Ila Upchurch Foundation. New toys are preferred, but used toys in excellent condition will be accepted. Remember that these toys are meant to brighten the season for a child who otherwise might not have gifts at Christmas.

For more information, contact the Picayune at 887-2002, Elaine Williams at 887-2085, Verion Adams at 887-3563 or Henry Butler at 887-2386. Toys and donations will be accepted through Dec. 13 and toys will be distributed Dec. 16, beginning at noon, at the Ila Upchurch Community Center.

Meanwhile, the Picayune is also serving as a collection point for blankets and gifts for the elderly in the community. Cash donations are accepted, as are new blankets or those in good condition.

Members of motorcycle clubs also made donations for the seniors of the area. About $150 and several blankets were among the gifts provided by the group.

Mary Godwin, executive director of the Prescott-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce, said the theme for this year’s events will be Christmas Treasures.

The annual merchants’ best decorated window contest typically garners support from the majority of area businesses, Godwin said. Any business or retail merchant may participate and there is no charge for entry. Windows will be judged on originality, creativity, merchandising and overall beauty. Judging will take place on Dec. 5.

The winner will be announced during Christmas on the Square, Dec. 7 and will receive a traveling plaque to be displayed over the next year.

To enter, contact the chamber at 887-2101 prior to Dec. 5.

Residences are not eligible for the window contest, but are invited to be involved in the 2006 Parade of Homes.

This contest is divided into two categories - homes inside Prescott and Nevada County homes outside the Prescott city limits. Again, there is no entry fee but anyone who wants to be considered must return a completed entry form to the chamber by Dec. 4. Judging will take place on Dec. 4, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Winners will be announced Dec. 7.

In this event, judges will award six prizes - three inside the city and three in the county. The categories are best lighted with lights being the main attraction, best unlighted with decorations and only a minimum of lights, and best theme. Judges will base decisions on originality, creativity and presentation.

The Christmas on the Square and annual Christmas parade will be held Dec. 7. Anyone who wants to participate in the parade should contact the chamber to register. Godwin said the parade will begin at 6 p.m. Participants wanting to be judged should be ready by 4:45 p.m. with judging to start at 5 p.m.

Christmas on the Square will be held at the Nevada County Courthouse with several special events planned.

“Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be in the courthouse for the kids to come in and visit,” Godwin said.

Entertainment will include area children singing on the courthouse steps and a performance by the Prescott High School marching band.

Hot chocolate will be available from the Nevada County 4H.

One of the popular events of Christmas on the Square is the Merchants’ Snowball Avalanche. Area businesses offer discounts written on ping pong balls.

Merchants who want to participate should contact the chamber. Godwin said there will be three separate chances for winning in an effort to make the event more fair. Younger children will have an opportunity to gather ping pong balls, then older children will have a turn and finally the ping pong balls will be showered out on older teenagers and adults.

“I just want to encourage people to be involved,” Godwin said.

Finally, Breakfast with Santa is slated for Dec. 16, for children up to 10 years old. The event will be held at the Nevada County Fairgrounds at the Potlatch Building.

For more information about Breakfast with Santa or other seasonal events, contact the chamber at 887-2101.