Volume XV Issue 85 | Friday, November 25th, 2022 | |
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You can thank these nice folks for the cool Christmas tree at the top of Main Street | |
Dispatches from the Lucky Land of Lassen
By Jeremy Couso
Publisher and Editor, SusanvilleStuff
Good morning kids! Here’s hoping you had an absolutely wonderful Thanksgiving yesterday! We spent the day at mom and dad’s house, surrounded by family, and had a fantastic time.
Now, back at the office with Thanksgiving drawing to a close, with crackers and cheese and Gene Autry playing Christmassy goodness, as I sit down to write this it feels as though the holidays have really begun in earnest.
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The Lassen County Chamber of Commerce Uptown Community Christmas Tree
Oh boy, if you know me at all, you know I like Christmas, and nothing says Christmas in Susanville quite like the Chamber of Commerce’s big tree at the top of Main Street, just below the Elks Lodge.
Construction of the thirty-foot tall community tree is part of preparations being made for the Chamber of Commerce’s Magical Country Christmas Celebration on December 3rd, where Santa will make his entrance in the Holiday Light Parade before officially lighting the tree, which will be followed by fireworks above the Elk’s Lodge.
The Magical Country Christmas celebration is a really fun party in uptown and literally thousands of people come out each year for the event.
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The artificial Christmas tree has topped Main Street each season since 2014. Prior to that one of the two large trees in front of the Elks Lodge was filled with tiny, twinkly Christmas lights and lit each year, but the wiring had deteriorated to the point where it was constantly in need of repair and deemed a fire hazard, so an artificial tree was purchased.
An interesting side note: when I was in high school both of the trees in front of the Elks were lit until one Christmas, I think 1987, when at the tree lighting, they did the countdown… 3… 2… 1… and knocked out power to the north side of town. After that they just used one tree.
Each year, on the Monday before Thanksgiving, rain or shine, a group of volunteers show up to construct the tree.
The process goes something like this; first the metal skeleton of the tree is brought from storage and assembled on top of a giant red pedestal. For the first 8 years of the tree’s existence this task was performed every year by members of the Hagata family, who were really the tree experts.
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This year that job fell to the Lassen College Baseball Team. Coach Avilla’s boys put the metal frame together, checked wiring, and tightening bolts to keep everything in place.
There is even a bit of mystery involved – nobody is quite sure what happened to the assembly instructions for the tree.
Lineman Raoul Faustino from Lassen Municipal Utility District used a bucket truck to hoist the treetop into place, and checked the wiring up top to make sure the lights would be ready for Santa’s Grand Entrance next week.
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While all of this was going on another group of volunteers was pulling the tree’s branches out of their storage boxes and fluffing them up, so they look natural on the tree.
Another interesting side note, that may or may not be true: Up until the late 1950’s a giant Christmas tree was constructed by the fire department right in the middle of the Lassen and Main Street intersection each year. Yes, a giant, decorated tree right in the middle of the street.
But keep in mind I have only read this in a few places, and I have never seen a picture of it. But someone out there will remember and let me know. Or maybe a picture?
At this point in tree construction the LCC baseball players are clinging to the skeleton of the tree like it is playground equipment – dangling from odd angles to reach down and get branches from the volunteers below. Like a weird holiday Cirque du Soleil.
All told, it takes those 40 volunteers about two hours to get the tree ready for the Christmas Celebration. After that it will be lit at the top of Main for the duration of the Holiday season.
The Chamber’s Magical Country Christmas Celebration will be held next Saturday, December 3rd starting at 5:00p.m. in uptown Susanville. At 6:00, Santa will arrive on the City’s antique fire engine in the Holiday Light Parade and throw the switch to light the tree.
Have a great rest of your Thanksgiving weekend everybody! See you next week!
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SusanvilleStuff Holiday Event Calendar
The Holiday Season is upon us and we’ve put together a list of craft fairs, fireworks, parades, the festival of lights, a holiday concert, and many more fun things.
Our list will keep growing through the season so check back often. If you would like to add your group or organization’s event, email your flyer and information to submissions@susanvillestuff.com
If you would like to add your group or organizations event, email your flyer and information to submissions@susanvillestuff.com
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Festival of Lights
December 2nd – December 25th
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays the Lassen County Fair is hosting its ‘Holiday Festival of Lights’ exhibition at the fairgrounds.
The displays are built by different local groups, organizations, and individuals for the public to drive through and ‘oooooh and ahhhhhhh’ at during the season. The massive display of holiday cheer is also a stop on the annual Senior Light Tour.
Festival of Lights opens on December 2nd. Friday and Saturday gates are open 5:00 – 9:00p.m., and on Sunday, gates are open 5:00 – 8:00p.m. Gates will be open the whole week from Friday, December 16th through the following Sunday, December 25th.
The hours for December 24th, Christmas Eve, are 5:00 – 10:00p.m. Please note, Friday, December 16th is walk-through only from 4:00 – 8:00p.m., no cars. Drive-thru the fairway and see holiday light displays. Donations are accepted.
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Susanville Assembly of God Christmas Bazaar
December 2nd and 3rd
Christmas Bazaar Friday, December 2nd from 4:00 – 8:00p.m., and Saturday, December 3rd from 9:00 – 2:00p.m., at The Susanville Assembly of God Church, 473-465 Richmond Road North.
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Christmas Craft Fair at the College
December 2nd and 3rd
Come meet artists and crafters and find that special one-of-a-kind gift. Friday, November 2nd, 5:00 – 9:00p.m., and Saturday, November 3rd, 10:00 – 4:00p.m. at Lassen College.
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Christmas in the Mountains Downtown Westwood December 2nd
Wave to Santa & Mrs. Claus as they drive by the light parade starting at 6:00p.m. Goodie bags handed out during the parade by Santa’s Westwood Chamber Helpers. Free books from the Westwood One Stop. First and second prizes for best floats.
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Lake Almanor Community Church
Free Christmas Concert
December 3rd
Lake Almanor Community Church will hold a special, free Christmas Concert December 3rd, featuring Grammy nominated artists, ‘Sisters.’
Kim Ruppe Sheffield, Heather Ruppe Bennett, and Valerie Ruppe Medkiff, all sisters, tour the country, reaching out to people of all ages and musical tastes. The church is located at 2610 Highway A-13 at Lake Almanor.
Doors open at 5:15p.m., the concert begins at 6:00, and seating is limited. For more information, please call 530.596.3683.
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Soaring Eagle Blue Star
Mom’s Holiday Craft Fair
December 2nd and 3rd
Susanville Blue Star Moms craft fair, Friday, December 2nd and Saturday, December 3rd at the Veterans Memorial Hall. For more information, or to become a vendor, contact 530.310.1361.
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Eskaton Lassen Manor Residents Bake Sale and Craft Fair
December 3rd
Homemade Bread, cookies, cakes, candy and more. Saturday, November 3rd 10:00 – 2:00p.m., Eskaton Lassen Manor 205 North Mesa Street.
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Magical Country Christmas
December 3rd
Magical Country Christmas Saturday, December 3rd from 4:00 – 7:00p.m. Ring in the Holiday season with Santa’s grand entry parade, Christmas tree lighting, fireworks, vendors, food and beverages, a hot toddy walk for adults 21 and over, and free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
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Westwood Chamber of Commerce Holiday Bazaar December 4th
Holiday Bazaar at the Westwood Community Center December, Sunday, 3rd from 11:00 – 3:00p.m. Crafts, jewelry, Scentsy, collectibles, essential oils and more.
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District 20 and Alcoholics Anonymous Sober Holiday Dance
December 9th
District 20 and Alcoholics Anonymous Invite you to their Sober Holiday Dance featuring Forgery playing live at the Lassen County Fairgrounds – Jensen Hall. 7:00p.m., free pulled pork sandwiches and tacos (donations are accepted). Bring a dessert for the Dessert Auction! This is a family-friendly event and kids are welcome. If you need more information, please contact Jodie at 530-816-0592 or Jay at 530-251-7211.
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Lassen High ASB Winter Carnival
December 9th
Lassen High ASB will be putting on a Winter Carnival from 5:30 to 7:30p.m. There will be food, activities, vendor booths, and a special performance. Admission is free.
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Susanville City Kickettes Christmas Extraordinaire
December 10th and December 11th
Susanville City Kickettes bring you their Christmas Extraordinaire, on December 10th at 6:00p.m, and December 11th at 4:00p.m., at the Veterans Memorial Hall. All J&J Dancers, singers and performers will be showcased at this recital. Tickets will be available at Margie’s Book Nook & Zaengles Home Store.
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Friends in Art, Local
Artists Christmas Show
December 10th
A local Artists’ Christmas Show, unique gifts and fine art.
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Milwood Florist Holiday Floral Design Class December 11th
Milwood Florist Holiday Floral Design Class hosted by Blue Ox Coffee, 313 Birch Street, Westwood. Sunday, December 11th at 2:00p.,.. The cost is $60 per person. Call 530.257.9194 to purchase tickets.
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Fairgrounds Holiday Craft Fair
December 16th and 17th
The Lassen County Fair’s annual Holiday Craft Fair is a huge two-day event featuring everything from hand-crafted wooden toys to homemade maple syrup. It is the perfect place to shop for that hard-to-buy-for person on your Christmas shopping list. Crafters fill up several buildings on the fairgrounds with great gift ideas. Featuring pictures with Santa. The show opens on Friday, December 16th from 4:00 to 8:00p.m. and on Saturday, December 17th doors will be open from 9:00 to 2:00p.m.
Susanville Auto Center Santa’s Village
December 16th
Susanville Auto Center presents Santa’s Village. Friday, December 16, 2021, from 4:00 – 6:00p.m., located at Susanville Auto Center, 704-485 Richmond Rd E. Susanville. This event includes a visit with Santa, free 4X6 photos, Hot coco, treats and a craft for the kids. Toys for tots on site, bring a new unwrapped toy if possible.
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Lake Almanor Basin Food Pantry
Christmas Dinner and Dance
December 16th
1st annual Christmas and Dance Fundraiser will be held Friday evening, December 16th from 5:00 – 9:00p.m. at the Chester Memorial Hall on Gay Street. Appetizer table from 5-6:00p.m.; No Host Bar provided by Lake Almanor Area Chamber of Commerce, Seated Dinner at 6:00p.m.
Free child care on site with snacks & activities, $50 per person – Reservations only with ticket. Tickets on sale beginning November 28, 2022 Purchase your tickets at Rouland Insurance at 650 Main Street. All proceeds go to the Almanor Basin Food Pantry to aid them in providing nourishing food to those in need in the Almanor Basin.
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Live Nativity Drive-Thru
December 16th, 17th and 18th
This family-friendly, outdoor Live Nativity will run for three nights. Friday, December 16th through Sunday, December 18th from 7:00 – 8:00pm each evening. Admission to the Live Drive-Thru Nativity is free. You can arrive anytime between 7:00 and 8:00pm. The line will be on Richmond Road and wait times may vary. This event is open to the public and located on the grounds of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 905 Richmond Road across from Diamond View Middle School.
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The Susanville Symphony Presents:
A Susanville Christmas
December 16th and 17th
Audience sing-a-longs, special soloists and more bring you closer to your family and to the holiday spirit that encapsulates this beautiful area we live in.
Friday, December 16th at 7:00p.m. and Sunday, December 17th at 2:30 p.m., at the Susanville Elk’s Lodge. Tickets will be available at Axia Home Loans and Margie’s Book Nook.
If you would like to add your group or organizations event to our list, please email your flyer and information to submissions@susanvillestuff.com
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Susanville’s Main Street from Inspiration Point in the 1930’s | |
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Susanville Policemen Have Burglar Clue
November 25, 1934
Clues in the hands of officers are expected to lead to the arrest at an early date of the thieves who broke into the store of Frank Sorsoli at 1613 Riverside drive and stole $32.
The burglars entered through a basement window and emptied the cash register in the place. They did not find, however, more than $1000 which was hidden in a desk. They also took several packages of cigarettes and some cigars.
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If you are a fan of our daily history stories you should join the Lassen Historical Society! It's a fun way to be a part of our county's rich history. When you sign up you'll receive regular Historical Society newsletters with interesting stories and information. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in area history.
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