Montrose, CO — From the lighting of the community Christmas Tree to the glow from a parade of light, to supporting local businesses, the City of Montrose is excited to host a wide range of events to celebrate the upcoming holiday season with a theme aimed at honoring the Uncompahgre Valley’s vast agricultural heritage.
The theme, “Holly Jolly Wrangler,” pays tribute to the farming and ranching history of Montrose, whose roots as an agricultural community date back to the founding of the Montrose community itself.
The festivities begin with the annual Tree Lighting scheduled for Friday, November 24, at 5:30 p.m. on South First Street in between the historic Montrose County Courthouse and the post office. Santa will make an appearance at the Tree Lighting and will then stop by his cabin located on Main Street in the lot east of the Brooks and Brooks Law office from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Other dates include November 25, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and December 9, 16, and 22 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Kids can drop off their letters to Santa at the cabin anytime from November 24 through December 17.
“When we were thinking of a theme this year, it was pretty easy to settle on a way to best honor our local agricultural heritage,” said City of Montrose
Pavilion and Community Events Manager Katie Schroer. “Over the years we have tried to keep the small-town feel incorporated with our holiday events, and Holly Jolly Wrangler is our way to blend our community with its history.”
Residents wanting to get more buying power this holiday season are invited to participate in the city’s annual Montrose Bucks program. For every $50 in Montrose Bucks purchased, customers will receive $60 in return that can be spent at participating businesses throughout the community. The Montrose Bucks sale begins Saturday, November 25, at 10 a.m. at the Montrose Visitor Center located at 107 South Cascade Avenue. The promotion is limited to $400 cash ($480 Montrose Bucks) per household.
For more information about the Montrose Bucks program and to see a list of local participating businesses visit www.cityofmontrose.org/Bucks ;
City of Montrose Development and Revitalization Team, DART, coordinator Michelle Wingfield said the Montrose Bucks sale also falls on Small Business Saturday when the post-Thanksgiving holiday shopping season begins, with the goal of supporting brick-and-mortar businesses that are small, local, and owned by our friends and neighbors.
“Small businesses are essential pillars of our community. They create a sense of place that is unique to Montrose.” Wingfield said. “Our hope with Small Business Saturday is that locals come out to enjoy the weekend while supporting our local businesses.”
The holiday events calendar culminates with the annual Parade of Lights, the illuminated tour of historic Main Street, scheduled for Saturday, December 2, at 5:30 p.m. Make sure to dress warm as dozens of floats will make their way down Main Street in front of a horse-drawn carriage carrying Santa.
“From the annual Tree Lighting to Small Business Saturday to the community Parade of Lights, we are encouraging everyone to keep in mind the farming and ranching lifestyle that made this valley what it is today when decorating their floats, homes, and businesses,” Schroer said.
See more information about the Holly Jolly Wrangler at www.cityofmontrose.org/621/Holiday-Events