Turning darkness into light

December is a magical month in Northeast Oregon. As darkness descends and we near the Winter Solstice, Dec. 21, and the shortest day of the year, the region lights up for the holidays.

Shoppers hunt for just the right gift for that special someone. They also hunt for fun things to do with their family and friends to get into the Christmas spirit.

Already, The Observer’s Holiday Music Festival and the Festival of Trees proved to be great kickoffs to the season.

This weekend Enterprise is hosting Riverfest, with a Lights Parade among its many outstanding features. 

Then on Sunday, showcasing some outstanding musical talent, the annual Lanetta Paul and Friends Concert comes to La Grande. It’s another sure way to brighten the holidays and help replenish the scholarship fund for worthy college students.

Coming soon are a pair of outstanding musicals. “The Music Man” is coming to the La Grande High School stage. “White Christmas” is coming to the Elgin Opera House. Both musicals are grand productions with a small army of talent needed to make them successful.

Also on the December calendar is the seventh annual Living Nativity scheduled to be staged at the La Grande Seventh-day Adventist Church. More than 100 actors and animals portray the “reason for the season.”

The 12th annual Christmas County dance is another sure way to brighten the holidays. The dance is being hosted by the Northeast Oregon Folklore Society, also known as Traditional Live! The event brings a burst of Christmas color and cheer to the Art Center at the Old Library, which blossoms with activity throughout the year but especially in the Christmas season.

In between all this, there are enough bazaars to shake nine sticks at, and to find that unique homemade Christmas present guaranteed to tickle the fancy of someone on the gift list.

Area residents should take advantage of the many and varied opportunities to get out and enjoy the shows and lights.