When our kids were young we posted an Advent calendar with daily “To Do” lists to celebrate the season. Getting in the car in search of Christmas lights was an annual favorite.
With family and guests in town, this might just be the perfect activity before or after a holiday meal. Here’s what you will find while roaming Lake Oswego’s neighborhoods.
What are your favorite spots in Lake Oswego for Christmas light viewing? Leave them here for others to enjoy.
This was Accessories from the Heart’s entry in last year’s gingerbread house contest. Be sure to check out this year’s creations.
●Holiday Gingerbread Houses of Lake Oswego. Visit local businesses starting December 10 and vote for your favorite in this third annual competition. See if Graham’s Book & Stationery can hold on to their bragging rights from last year. Runs until December 25. Pick up a tour map at Lake Oswego City Hall, 380 A Avenue, or at participating stores. 503.675.2549
●Holiday Open House featuring Three Rivers Choir. Enjoy free refreshments while listening to the holiday sounds of the Three Rivers Choir led by Donna Kagan, Music Educator of the Year. Wednesday, December 12 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (choir begins at 1:00 p.m.) at the Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street. 503.675.3995
●Lakewood Theatre Company presents “White Christmas.” This holiday classic returns again this year beginning Wednesday, December 12 with performances running nightly through December 22 (except for December 17) at 7:30 p.m. There are also matinees at 2:00 p.m. on December 15, 16,22, and 23. Lakewood Center for the Arts, 368 S. State Street. Tickets are $35 Adult; $32 Senior, with student and group discounts and are available online, at the box office or by calling 503. 635.3901.
●Holiday Concert with John Nilsen. Coming off a 40 city U.S. tour, local recording artist John Nilsen lands back in town just in time to share his holiday tunes. Thursday, December 13 at 2:00 p.m. at Mary’s Woods at Marylhurst, 17400 Holy Names Drive. Free.
●Journey to Bethlehem. Watch the story of the birth of Jesus unfold as you walk through this live production. Registration required for 40-minute walk-through slots. Friday, December 14 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, December 15, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Lake Bible Church, 4565 Carman Drive. Free. 503.699.9840
●Homegrown Gift Ideas. Get inspired by demonstrations of how to make fairy gardens, living wreaths and terrariums. Saturday, December 15 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Dennis’ 7 Dees, 1090 McVey Avenue. Registration required. Free. 503.636.4660
●Christmas Ships Parade along Willamette River. Bundle up and head over to your favorite vantage point to catch up to 60 holiday boats making their way down the Willamette River. Boats estimated to arrive at Foothills Park, 199 Foothills Drive and George Rogers Park, 611 S. State Street between 6:15 to 6:30 p.m. Event dependent on weather and river conditions. Check for details.
If you live in Lake Oswego, there is no excuse for bah-humbugging it this season. Get in the spirit of things by checking out some of these events.
●Lakewood in Lights Fundraiser. This annual event features food, music, dancing and a tree auction to benefit the rising star program at Lakewood Theatre Company. Other highlights include a raffle drawing for a weekend wine getaway for 6 at De Ponte Cellars Vineyard. Monday, December 3, 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Lakewood Center for the Arts, 368 S. State Street. Tickets are $50/person and can be purchased at the box office, online or by calling 503.635.3901.
●Lake Oswego Mom’s Club Holiday Faire. Special guests will be on hand for this second annual event to make the season magical for little ones including Santa and Mrs. Claus and Christmas gnomes. Friday, December 7 from 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the West End Building, 4101 Kruse Way. Call 503.675.2549 for more information.
●Reindeer Magic Returns. Bring the whole family to visit Santa and his reindeer. Activities for the kids include make-n-take projects, enjoying holiday tunes and hot cocoa and cider while parents can sample wines from Hip Chicks Do Wine or buy their favorite hot beverage from Pony Espresso and Ole Latte. Friday, December 7 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Dennis’ 7 Dees,1090 McVey Avenue. 503.636.4660
●Holiday Magic Breakfast Theatre–The Peppermint Bear Show: Who Needs Sneeds? Enjoy a special holiday continental breakfast ½ hour before the curtain goes up for this interactive production featuring area high school student performers. Geared for ages 3-12. Saturdays, December 8, 15, and 22 at 9 and 11 a.m. in the Lakewood Center Community Meeting Room at the Lakewood Center for the Arts, 368 S. State Street. Advance reservations are required by purchasing tickets either online, at the box office or by calling:503.635.3901.
●Gingerbread House Workshop. Kids can learn how to bake gingerbread, decorate a gingerbread house and go home with dough to bake. Geared for ages 6-13. Saturday, December 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Luscher Farm, 125 Rosemont Road in West Linn. $40 for residents; $45 for non-residents. Register for class 4327200 through Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation: 503.675.2549 or at www.lakeoswegoparks.org.
●Horse Drawn Carriage Rides. Take a 15 minute sleigh ride through downtown Lake Oswego. Sign-up sheets available so first-come, first-served. Sunday, December 9 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; Friday, December 14 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, December 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Rides begin and end at Millennium Plaza Park at the corner of First and Evergreen. $3/ages 11 and older; $1 ages 10 and younger; Free ages 2 and under. 503.675.2549
●Bells N’ Brass Holiday Program. Revel in the sounds of Christmas featuring the Covenant Bell Choir and brass from the Oregon Symphony. Sunday, December 9 at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Lake Grove Presbyterian Church, 4040 Sunset Drive. Free. 503.636.565
●Creative Centerpieces Workshop. Whether for yourself or a friend, learn how to make a centerpiece arrangement that takes advantage of the season’s natural bounty. Sunday, December 9 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Dennis’ 7 Dees, 1090 McVey Avenue. $10 fee goes towards materials. Register online. 503.636.4660.
Check back next week for Part 2. Click the “Sign me up” button in the top right hand column and be notified as soon as the post is up.
Who’s on your holiday list? Out-of-state relatives? Vegans? The person who has everything?
Do yourself a favor and head over to Lake Oswego’s Holiday Market this Saturday and Sunday at the West End Building where unique holiday crafts, gifts, ornaments and treats will make your gift-giving so much easier and well….merrier.
Here’s a sampling of who and what you’ll find:
SOPHISTICATED BEADS: The fact that Lea McWhorter is bringing her handcrafted jewelry back to the Lake Oswego Holiday Market for the sixth year in a row says something about the event. “It’s a festive and upbeat market,” McWhorter explains.
Who can you check off your list thanks to McWhorter’s designs?
●Accessory savvy women. McWhorter’s collection features Austrian Swarovski crystals, accented with semi-precious stones, pearls and sterling silver. And because of all her repeat business, she is constantly coming up with new designs.
●Out of state relatives and friends. She incorporates the Oregon sunstone (Oregon’s official gemstone) into many of her designs so send your sister a piece of Oregon that she’ll love wearing.
●Someone who has been touched by cancer. Sophisticated Beads carries an entire line of Cancer Jewelry—designs whose purchase helps to support these local organizations: OHSU Knight Cancer Institute for Colon Cancer Research, American Cancer Society, Susan G Komen for the Cure, Oregon and SW Washington Chapter, Jessica’s Hope Foundation for Ovarian Cancer and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
MARSHALL’S HAUTE SAUCE: Last year’s Lake Oswego Holiday Market was Sarah Marshall’s first market as a “small batch hot sauce” entrepreneur. “They do a great job of having a mix of vendors,” she explains, “so there is a real variety.” Her offerings fall under the “gourmet foods” category and would perfect for these recipients on your list:
●Food sensitivity prone. All of Marshall’s sauces are vegetarian and gluten free and most are vegan as well.
●Sustainability minded. Marshall buys local ingredients for her sauces as much as she can in order to support local businesses like herself. Her seasonal offerings: Cranberry Red Jalapeno and Ghost Chili Apple feature locally grown honey crisp apples and cranberries.
●Some like it hot. Marshall’s sauces register at different points on the “hot” scale, combining ingredients to crank up or tone down the sweatometer. The sweetness of the carrots in her Habanero Carrot Curry, for example, soften the hit of the habanero chilis. And her Ghost chili apple features what the 2006 Guinness Book of World Records deemed the hottest pepper in the world.
Market hours are Saturday, December 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The West End Building is located at 4101 Kruse Way. Call for more information: 503.675.2549.
HEAD DOWNTOWN FOR HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES
Enjoy an old-fashioned sleigh ride through downtown Lake Oswego. Rides start and end at Millennium Plaza Park from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, November 30; 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday December 1; 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 9; 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, December 14; and 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 15. Get there early to sign up as 15-minute rides are on a first-come, first-served basis. Cost is $3 for ages 11 and older; $1 ages 10 and younger; free for children under 2. 503.675.2549. Corner of First and Evergreen.
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Lake Oswego loves its traditions.
Just check out the crowds at the 4th of July pancake breakfast. Or take a spot in the stands at the annual football game between our cross-town high school rivals.
The 48th Annual Tree Lighting on tap for this Friday, November 23 at 5:00 p.m. is this season’s tradition that combines a crisp winter night with Christmas carols, holiday lights, refreshments, a casual parade and the jolly old man in red himself!
Festivities start at the corner of 5th Street and A Avenue to see the lighting of the Bigelow Plaza Holiday Tree followed by a parade down A Avenue to Millennium Plaza Park at the corner of First and Evergreen for the lighting of the Millennium Tree.
This was part of our family’s annual holiday tradition for years when our kids were younger and then again when they were in high school and the Lakeridge show choir, Company, performed at this event. When our youngest daughter became a member of Company, we had even more reason to attend, better yet, get there early for a front row seat!
Here’s what our kids recall:
Brady: I remember waiting to sit on Santa’s lap, eating as many candy canes as possible and the countdown to seeing the tree light up. Of course, I had a great vantage point—up on top of dad’s shoulders.
Riley: It was really cold but that made the hot chocolate taste that much better.
Casey: I recall waiting with what seemed like most of Lake Oswego for that massive tree to light up. When it did, it was so beautiful and made everyone that much more excited for Christmas.
The Annual Tree Lighting is one of those events that can’t help but put you in the holiday mood. So since the season is among us, I’d suggest you bundle up and check it out.
And get a head start on the giving by bringing donations of non-perishable food or unwrapped toys. Collection bins will be available at Millennium Plaza Park.
P.S. Don’t forget to support Lake Oswego businesses on Small Business Saturday, November 24. They’re open for business all holiday season so take advantage of the convenience, selection, service and hospitality.
Photo credit: Feelart at freedigitalphotos.net
You can save a lot of money by living in Lake Oswego.
How? You don’t have to travel back east to see beautiful fall colors. My wife and I have been in New Hampshire for the October display of bright reds, oranges and yellows, but this past fall, we found that same intense color rush right here in the Lake Oswego neighborhoods and streets.
Our daughter confirmed this year’s “best of show” on her recent visit from California. Coming from a place where she was laying out in the sun the day before, she was reminded of what it means to live in a place with seasons.
These pictures are a reminder for you too of what fall can look like when you live in the right place–Lake Oswego, Oregon!
Another thing to enjoy in Lake Oswego besides fall colors is the Reunion Farmer’s Market scheduled for this Saturday, November 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Millennium Plaza Park on the corner of First and Evergreen. Many of your favorite summer vendors will be on hand with fresh bounty for your Thanksgiving meal. There will also be live music, hay rides, local artisans and food for you to enjoy.
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And if you know of anyone thinking about moving here, please pass along my name. I’d love the chance to show them around!
Lamb’s Palisades Market Holiday Show is set for this Wednesday, November 7, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at its Lake Oswego store at 1377 McVey.
Lamb’s Palisades Market is helping to kick off the season of entertaining with its annual Holiday Show this Wednesday, November 7, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Judging by the number of calls store manager Nick Goldsmith has received from customers inquiring about the date, chances are it will be the popular gathering spot it has been for the last 14 years.
While all of the Lamb’s markets host a Holiday Show, the Lake Oswego one is the busiest by far.
“Our customers really look forward to it,” explains Goldsmith who provides a limousine service to transport folks from the United Methodist Church parking lot at 1855 South Shore to the store at 1377 McVey. “It’s our way of thanking them for shopping with us all year.”
The show features over 50 vendors (Goldsmith actually has to turn vendors away) who will be sampling everything from beer and wine to eggnog and gluten free products. Day-of wine specials bring out the oenophiles in the crowd and experienced noshers can make a meal out of the offerings.
The most unusual item available for sampling? That would be ostrich which was a hit a few years back.
While the food and beverage may be what brings locals through the doors during this annual event, it’s the conversation that keeps them there longer than they planned.
The turnout which Goldsmith estimates in the hundreds, ensures that before too long, you’ll be discussing the nuances of an Argyle Chardonnay or doing taste tests of your favorite pesto with your neighbor or friend that you’ve just run into. In a town that likes to entertain, this is a happening so plan on being there.
I know Halloween is supposed to be for the kids, but judging by how decked out some Lake Oswego homes are this season, my guess is that a lot of adults like the holiday too.
Treat yourself by driving around some Lake Oswego neighborhoods including the First Addition, Westridge, River Run, and Village on the Lake to catch a glimpse of some of these creatures waiting to greet trick-or-treaters Halloween night. And don’t miss last year’s guide to the best trick-or-treating neighborhoods in town.
The Lake Oswego Public Library is holding its second annual Storytelling Festival this week. Created to celebrate last year’s kickoff of the library’s oral history project which preserves the stories of Lake Oswego neighbors, the festival continues in the tradition of helping attendees discover their stories and appreciate the stories of their neighbors.
What do you have in common with one of the Lost Boys of Sudan, the Lake Oswego Police Chief and a candidate for Lake Oswego City Council?
You all have a story to tell. You may not know yours yet, but the Lake Oswego Public Library is presenting its second annual Storytelling Festival in the hopes of helping you find it.
Featured presenters include Lopez Lumong, who went from being one of the Lost Boys of Sudan to an American citizen and Olympic athlete. Hearing his story alone is worth blocking this week out on your calendar. He kicks things off on Monday, October 22 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Marylhurst University Commons, 17600 Pacific Highway.
All events are free and open to the public; however, space can be limited so please register where noted.
In addition to Lumong’s presentation, this year’s highlights include:
■Workshop: Grandma, Tell Me a Story with Storytellers Terry Jordan (who also is running for Lake Oswego City Council) and Anne Rutherford. Learn how to weave stories to your kids and grandkids. Tuesday, October 23 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street. Register: 503.675.2540.
■Workshop: Finding Your Voice: From Anecdote to Story with Storyteller Alton Chung. Turn your memories into stories others can enjoy. Tuesday, October 23 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Oswego Heritage House, 398 Tenth Street. Register: 503.675.2540.
■Workshop: Pass the Word: Storytelling Workshop for Ages 8-12 with Storyteller Will Hornyak. Through games and exercises, your kids will be telling stories before they know it! Wednesday, October 24, 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street. Register: 503.675.2540.
■Best of the Police Blotter. Truth can be stranger than fiction as told by Lake Oswego Police Chief Don Johnson and Milwaukie Police Chief Bob Jordan. Wednesday, October 24, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.
■Tales from the Grave. Just in time for Halloween-here’s your chance to get spooked with scary stories from Sarah Houser, Anne Rutherford and Anne Penfound. Thursday, October 25, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Oswego Heritage House, 398 Tenth Street.
■Neighborhood Photo Gallery Reception and Hot Fudge Sundaes. Vote for your favorite neighborhood photo telling the story of what makes it great. Friday, October 26, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
■Open Mike/Story Swap! You’ve listened and watched…now it’s your turn to tell your tale. Friday, October 26, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Chuck’s Place, 148 B Avenue.
■Lifting Up the Sky: Stories of People Working Together with Storyteller Will Hornyak. Common roots and cooperation tie these tales together. Saturday, October 27, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth Street.
■Telling Lives: Allures and Ambushes with Storytellers Alton Chung, Steve Henegar and Terry Jordan. Finish the week off with a happy ending by sitting back and being entertained. Saturday, October 27, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. West End Building, 4101 Kruse Way.
Still debating about whether or not to go? Check out last year’s post on the festival and hear the storytellers tell you in their own words why you should attend.
Stories is what this blog is all about–stories of what makes Lake Oswego such a great place to live. If you have a story to share, I’d love to hear it!
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John Muir once said, “In every walk with nature one receives more than he seeks.” Program participants in Lake Oswego’s Parks and Recreation’s Thursday Hikes and Rambles couldn’t agree more.
“I never take a hike where I don’t learn something new,” explains hike coordinator Sandy Jackson who started out with the group when it all began in 1984 (and took a ten year hiatus in there somewhere while working). The mix of backgrounds, occupations, and stages in life makes for stimulating conversations along the trail.
Exercise hooks other hikers to sign up. The hikes cover six to ten miles and can climb up to 2,000 feet. Rambles stay under six miles and stick to elevations less than 750-1,000 feet. For walkers tired of hitting the city streets, these organized hikes provide a welcome change of scenery.
Friendships seem to grow with the mileage logged in. “For some of us it becomes more than just a recreational group,” explains hiker Ruth Spielman. “It becomes a social network.
And then for others…they find that love blooms along with the wildflowers. A few romantic relationships have developed, including one divorced couple who started dating again and remarried. “The couple that hikes together stays together,” laughs longtime hiker Carolyn Knutson.
Although not scientific by any means, Jackson believes that “Being outside makes you more positive.” Her fellow hikers agree. “My husband always says, ‘There’s never a bad hike?’” laughs Knutson as she recalls returning home from every hike in a good mood.
Hike coordinator Jeanine Thoene speaks of the same afterglow. “I talk to my sister who lives in Nevada about this group and she says, ‘There’s no downside. Every time I talk to you, you’re up when you come back from one of these hikes. I don’t even live in Lake Oswego and I love this group!’”
These are definitely some happy trails worth checking out. All the details are included in the Lake Oswego Parks and Recreation catalog. Hikes and rambles both take place on Thursdays. “You don’t have to sign up until you get here,” explains Jackson. So if you wake up and feel like moving, just show up at the West End Building, 4101 Kruse Way. Hikers leave at 8:00 a.m. (unless otherwise noted) and travel no further than two hours away from Lake Oswego. Ramblers leave at 8:30 a.m. and don’t travel as far. Fees will be collected and carpools assigned.
The season runs from mid-January to the week before Thanksgiving so there is still time to get out there and receive more than you seek!
