SOUTH FORK— Last year, South Fork started a new tradition that they are excited to continue this year with the annual Yuletide Celebration. The event was made possible through several efforts by local volunteers and the Friends of South Fork organization. The event will take place the day after Thanksgiving and will include food, hot beverages, fun family activities and more.
According to Friends of South Fork member Kris Steffens, the organization has been able to raise additional funding for the event and will be including more activities for guests. Though Steffens was not able to elaborate on the new additions, she stated that everyone who attends will have a great time.
Last year 300-350 people attended the First Annual Yuletide Celebration at the South Fork Visitor Center, which included bonfires, food, fun and a spectacular tree lighting ceremony to welcome Santa for the children.
“The Friends of South Fork will sponsor an even better celebration this November to include snow, bonfires, good food, friends, Santa Claus, music and caroling, great fun, and of course turning on the tree lights! Plus, this year look for an extra special Christmas decoration near the historic water tower along Highway 160 coming into town,” said Steffens.
The event will kick off at dark on Nov. 24 with the tree lighting ceremony; other activities will follow, including a chance to meet with Santa. Hopes are to have the ice rink up and ready for people to enjoy, but that is dependent on weather.
The organization is making headway in several projects in the South Fork area and invite people to join through donations that go towards local projects and other non-profit organizations. The Friends of South Fork group holds quarterly meetings that are usually announced two weeks prior to the event with dates, times and locations.
The next meeting is scheduled to take place sometime near mid-November and the organization invites anyone who may be interested to attend. Details for the meeting will be reported as they come available.
For now, mark the calendar and plan to come out and enjoy a night of holiday celebrations to kick off the season. Two weeks after the Yuletide Celebration, South Fork will be hosting their annual Winterfest at the Rio Grande Club and Resort.
The event is a great opportunity to come out and get started on holiday shopping and hosts several vendors that showcase homemade gifts from around the region. Winterfest will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8.
There will be fun activities for the entire family, great food provided by the Rio Grande Club and much more.