For the first time since the pandemic began shutting things down, the Methow Valley will experience a recognizable slate of traditional holiday-related events.
It starts this weekend with a couple of familiar shopping options:
• The Methow Valley Community Center’s Christmas Bazaar is back for two days, on Saturday (Nov. 19) and again on Dec. 3, with more than 60 vendors. The free event will be from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. each day. Find an eclectic array of locally made arts and crafts, food, photography, jewelry, quilts, honey, pottery, handmade vinegar, spices, clothing, wreaths, mittens, books, Christmas cards, wreaths, paintings and more. Lunch will be available, as will handmade goodies from Orchard House Donuts. For information, visit https://methowcommunity.org/2022-twisp-christmas-bazaar.
• The Methow Valley Spinners and Weavers Guild hosts its seasonal Show and Sale on Friday and Saturday (Nov. 18 and 19) at 137 Old Twisp Highway, from 2-6 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday. Items for sale will include handcrafted fiber arts created by guild members, such as handwoven towels, blankets, rugs, scarves, handspun yarns and more. Cash or checks only.
That’s not all that’s going on.
• Bluebird Grain Farms will host a celebration of its new granary facility on Highway 20 at the intersection with Twin Lakes Road on Saturday (Nov. 19). The facility will be open for drop-ins, tours, snacks, demonstrations, drinks and shopping from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. There will be walk-through tours at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. RSVP for a tour by visiting https://bluebirdgrainfarms.com or email joy@bluebirdgrainfarms.com.
• The Confluence: Art in Twisp will host a free opening for its two new exhibits, “Perspectives” and “The Sky Calls,” on Saturday (Nov. 19) from 5-7 p.m. See the story on page A5 in this week’s newspaper for complete details. For more information visit www.confluencegallery.org or call (509) 997-2787.
• Looking a few days ahead, the always popular Christmas at the End of the Road celebration in Winthrop will be on Thanksgiving weekend. It starts on Friday at the Winthrop Rink, where you can skate with Santa. Saturday’s full day incudes more local shopping specials, Santa’s arrival by sleigh, photos with Santa and kids’ activities at the Winthrop Barn, free hot chocolate, and lots of food available. Also, the Shafer Museum will be open.
It wraps up on Saturday evening with the town lighting, followed by the annual fireworks show. The Winthrop Chamber of Commerce is soliciting donations from local businesses, organizations and individuals. To take part, mail a check to Winthrop Chamber of Commerce, P.O Box 39, Winthrop, WA 98862.
For information about all the events, visit https://winthropwashington.com/events/christmas-festival.
And more coming up:
• Methow Arts presents the band Gangstagrass, which fuses country music and hip hop, at the Winthrop Barn on Dec. 3. For information, visit http://www.methowarts.org/gangstagrass-dec-3rd-party.
• Twisp’s annual holiday shopping and celebration known as Mistletoe Madness is scheduled for Dec. 9 from 3-7 p.m. on Glover Street and the TwispWorks campus. For information, visit http://twispwa.com/mistletoe-madness.
• The Merc Playhouse’s holiday production of “The Nutcracker,” written by June Walker Rodgers and directed by Jane Orme and Missi Smith, opens Dec. 2 and continues through Dec. 11. For information, visit www.mercplayhouse.org.
• Cascadia Music’s Holiday Concerts will be on Dec. 13 and Dec. 14 at the Methow Valley Community Center in Twisp. For information, visit www.methowarts.org/cascadia-musics-holiday-concerts-2022.
