Calaveras Decks The Halls

San Andreas, CA — The holidays are here and residents in many Calaveras County towns are decking the halls in preparation for the season. Much of that is happening this weekend.

This Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. in Arnold, a Christmas tree lighting will be held at the Ace Hardware parking lot on Blagen Road. Visitors can take photos with Santa, enjoy food, drinks, music and caroling.

The Angels Camp holiday parade is also happening this Saturday in historic downtown. Sponsored by the Angels Camp Business Association, the parade begins at 4 p.m. and will feature Santa on a fire truck and other floats along with music.

Coinciding with the parade is the Frogtown Country Christmas. This event, at the Fairgrounds, takes place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m. More than 50 booths and crafts will be set up offering some local shopping choices. The day will partly benefit the Calaveras Food Bank and Santa´s Express. Attendees can bring a can of food or toy and enter to win prizes.

The Valley Springs parade will also be sure to please on Saturday. This 23rd annual event also features a craft faire. The parade begins at 10:30 a.m. on Daphne and Sequoia Streets. The faire is at the Veterans Hall.

Also on Saturday in Rail Road Flat the community will gather from 5 to 7 p.m. for the annual Christmas dinner at the Community Hall. On the menu are ham and all the trimmings along with an ornament exchange. Tickets are available for $10 at the door and children are half price.

And finally in Copperopolis, also on Saturday, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. will be the Copperopolis community tree lighting event at Copper Park next to Copperopolis Elementary School. Featured will be hot chocolate, cookies, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus and Christmas carols led by Supervisor Elect Russ Thomas.

Written by Vanessa Turner.