The Dolores Chamber of Commerce has released a list of holiday events and celebrations.
Shop for a Dolores resident in need. Pick up an Angel Wish list tag off the Giving Tree at the Dolores Public Library and shop for a gift for children, seniors, disabled residents or low-income residents who reside in the 81323 ZIP code. Gifts must be dropped off at the Dolores Public Library by Dec 19. The gifts need not be wrapped but must be labeled with the gift tag number. Dolores Rotary members will deliver gifts Dec. 20-24. Last year, the club brightened Christmas for more than 70 Dolores residents with gifts.
Adopt a Dolores wreath or Hillside light for the season. The Dolores Rotary Club buys, maintains and puts up the lighted wreaths along Railroad and Central Avenue in Dolores, as well as the Hillside Lights that read, “Peace on Earth, Good Will to Men.” Rotarians use the lighting fund to purchase new wreaths, replacement bulbs, and electrical equipment. Go to visitdolores.com to adopt.
Montezuma Mexican Restaurant is accepting cash, gift cards or unwrapped presents now through Dec. 5 for their annual Toy Drive. Monetary donations will be used to purchase toys for local kids. Santa will hand out presents to kids at Montezuma Mexican on Dec. 11 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Stop in any Dolores business to pick up a game card and get your card stamped at the business. Collect Christmas stamps from as many Dolores businesses as you can and turn in the game card for a chance at drawings for local prizes and gift cards. Each stamp is good for one entry into the drawing. The game card also lists local holiday specials. Drawing will be on Dec. 21.
Drop off your letter to Santa at the Dolores Public library during regular business hours for special delivery to the North Pole by Dec. 11. Santa will send an elf to pick up the letters and drop off his responses to the library for pickup. Santa’s return letters can be picked up between Dec. 13 and Dec. 23.
A 5K fun run to help out local food banks. Bring a nonperishable food item as your entry fee. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m., and race starts at 9 a.m. in front of the Dolores schools. Many people dress in costume for the occasion. Pets and strollers are welcome.
Come help decorate Flanders park with ornaments and Christmas lights on Nov. 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Dolores Chamber of Commerce will be there with hot chocolate and snacks. The chamber is also asking the public to donate any unused lights by dropping them off at Flanders Park on Nov. 26.
Visit Dolores River Brewery on Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the Annual Arts & Crafts Show with live music, refreshments, unique creations, fun and merriment. Local artisans will feature their crafts for sale.
Dozens of vendors are lined up to make EsoTerra’s first Holiday Soiree a success on Nov. 26 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Shop local artists, crafters and farmers. They will have a holiday tree and antique chairs for any family or friends who wish to take their photos among the festive setting. Live music will be performed by Tyler Reed Smith.
Stop by the Dolores Community Center, (corner of Riverside and South Fourth Streets) on Dec. 3 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a packed house of more than 50 vendors from the Four Corners. The event is known as the biggest Christmas Bazaar in the area. Keep an eye out for Santa who always stops by for a couple hours.
On Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. stop by the Friends of the Dolores Library’s Annual Holiday Book Sale and peruse gently used books, unique holiday cards, and art prints. Proceeds go toward supporting library programs and services.
On Dec. 10 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. see Santa at the Galloping Goose Museum. Kids can drop off their Christmas lists and receive a goody bag. The Dolores Library will hold storytime on the train, and to keep you warm, the Dolores Chamber of Commerce provides cookies, hot chocolate and a bonfire. Hot dogs and brats will be available for purchase. Local businesses around Flanders Park will stay open later for holiday shopping.
On Dec. 10 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Dolores Ski Swap will be held at the Dolores High School as a fundraiser for the Middle and High School Track Teams. If you wish to sell your gear, drop it off at the Dolores High School on Friday, Dec. 9 from 5-8 p.m. After the ski swap, you can pick up your unsold gear from 2 p.m.–4 p.m. on Dec. 10.
For more information on holiday events, contact Susan Lisak, executive director for the Dolores Chamber of Commerce at (970) 426-9902 or doloreschamber@gmail.com, or go to our website at visitdolores.com.
