Florence Holiday Festival –
They’re gearing up in Historic Old Town again for the holiday season. Visitors for the annual Christmas season kickoff Saturday will find some familiar faces… Santa and Mrs. Claus… along with an old standby in a new place, according to Florence City Manager, Erin Reynolds…
“The traditional arrival of Santa & Mrs Claus on the Fire Truck down by the Gazebo Park where you can take photos”
The Community Christmas Tree will be erected this year at the Siuslaw Bridge Interpretive Park just a block west of the Gazebo Park.
“The actual tree lighting and the very nice lit up area around the interpretive center is new this year. The Tree has normally been down by Gazebo Park”
Chamber of Commerce Executive Cal Applebee said Florence Mayor Joe Henry wanted a larger and more visible tree this year. There’s more room at the interpretive site and the tree will be more visible from other areas, including from the Siuslaw River Bridge.
Applebee says that also opens up more opportunities at the Gazebo which will be decorated as well.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be delivered to the gazebo at 3:30 Saturday. The North Pole Power Couple will move down the street for the tree lighting ceremony at 5:30.
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Black Friday Isn’t For All
THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE ARE CAMPED OUT ON THIS BLACK FRIDAY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE RETAIL SALES, BUT SOME PEOPLE HERE IN FLORENCE SAY THEY ARE NOT BUYING INTO THE HYPE AND COMMERCIALISM OF THE DAY, BUT RATHER SPEND THE WEEKEND WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY…
“NO, NOT AT ALL….you don’t shop on black friday?….at all…i avoid it completely”
others that have chosen to rest and relax on this black friday look back to fond memories and family traditions. theresa thomas recalls her favorite memories and she sips her mocha..
“my sister and i we would get up at 4 oclock in the morning and she would go to one store and i’d go the other store and we’d have our cell phones with us and we’d communicate back and forth to one another and get the best deals we could get. and it was actually quite fun, we really did enjoy that….
doing my best to avoid the black friday madness
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A New Florence Holiday Festival Event
An extra large crowd is expected Saturday in Old Town because of all Florence Holiday Festival events. Florence Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Cal Applebee reminds those planning on taking in the festivities of parking t both the east and west ends of Bay Street. The City of Florence has teamed up with the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce this year, according to Florence City Manager, Erin Reynolds.
“We are shuttling people via one of the new tractors”
An old fashioned Hay Ride hitched to the tractors is expected to lighten traffic and create a fun event for families.
“The hay ride will run from two primary spots.”
People can park on the east end at the Port’s Nopal Street Parking lot, or on the west end in the Lotus Parking lot, then take the free Hay ride on to Bay Street. The Hay Rides will run between 3:30 and 6:30.
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Festival of Trees
The Oregon Coast Military Museum’s Festival of the Trees will be open to public viewing Saturday at the Florence Events Center. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand for the festivities between 10 and 4pm, offering a photo opportunity with the kids, while the adults can browse the wreathes on sale. Being held in advance of fundraising Festival of Trees Gala of Giving, admission is free, although donations will be accepted.. Sunday Gala of Giving event is a fundraiser for the Oregon Coast Military Museum. The Gala includes a silent auction along with the auction of more than a dozen decorated trees. Those who purchase trees, during this ticketed event, can have their tree delivered at no charge on Monday.