#eurekawinterfest

Vinnie wasn’t much of a winter person, if he could he’d go into hibernation right away. But with Christmas right around the corner, he tried to make the most of it anyways. The annual Winterfest sure helped with getting him in the right spirit, so when his last meeting of the day got cancelled, that’s where he decided to spend the rest of his afternoon.

Stopping right in front of The Chocolate Box stall, he eyed their fresh Christmas selection, pushing his brows together as he thought about what to get. “M’kay, help me out here — do I go for the Peppermint Snowflakes or the Eggnog Snowmen?”

"Hey," Diana said, lightly touching the arm of the person passing closest by her. There was a look of urgency in her eyes as she spoke. " I'm looking for the movie screenings. Do you know if I'm headed the right way? I can't miss ‘Love, Actually’, the world will literally end if I do.” She made a face as she heard herself, not wanting to appear like a completely, overdramatic freak. “Sorry for the theatrics, I just really don’t want to be late. It’s my favorite besides ‘The Sound of Music’, which is, like, the top tier Christmas movie. I know I could stream it or whatever, but what’s the fun in that? Anyways, think you can point me in the proper direction?" 

Christmas had always been Layla’s favourite time of year. She had grown up finding solace in the quiet hum left behind during a snowfall. Colourful lights, warm cocoa, the smell of cinnamon wafting through the house as her father made his famous cinnamon bun recipe. It had always been a happy time of year for the woman and, until the year of her accident, she often participated in the local festivities that were put on. 

But things changed. Layla changed.

And now, though fortunate enough to still be able to celebrate with her family, Layla had decided to get away from her roommates for the night to be by herself. She had a cup of mulled wine in her hand as she looked around at the happy bystanders. Her eyebrows raised only slightly as she moved through a group of parents to find a place to sit. She easily found a bench, wiped the snow from it with the sleeve of her jacket, and sat down. 

Another sip of wine and Layla looked up, seeing somebody moving in her direction. She assumed they wanted to sit down and so, being neighbourly, she wiped the rest of the bench. 

“Free seat if you want it,” she breathed, her breath showing as small clouds in the air.

EVENT ONE : WINTER FEST

Whether you’re driving home for Christmas, or keeping warm by the fire, the city of Eureka, California is proud to announce its annual Winterfest....

Stroll through our Christmas Market on Carson Square, housing stalls from local businesses selling trinkets and gifts — ideal to give to loved ones this holiday season! Don’t forget to visit Santa in his grotto - but remember, only the good children get presents! Grab your gloves and get your skates on for our yearly outdoor ice rink, supported by the staff from Eureka Valley Ice Rink. With a portion of all the profits from the ice rink being donated directly to charity to support needy families during the holiday season, whether you’re a little wobbly on the ice or a true pro, you can skate in peace, knowing that you’re helping some of Eureka’s most needy.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Winterfest without our giant Christmas Tree, and this years Nordic Fir stands at a whopping 15 feet. Special thanks to the student body of both Eureka High School, Alice Birney Elementary, as well as the support of Wiyot Cultural Centre, as well as by our local businesses to dress the tree.

Don’t forget to stop by the Food Market where you can pick up a spicy glass of mulled wine ( or hot chocolate for the little ones ), and listen to local musicians and the Methodist’s own choir singing traditional holiday carols.

Spot some of our reporters from K94.5 who will be hosting fun competitions for everyone both on air and live at the market. Grab your popcorn and a blanket and catch some of those holiday favourites - Eureka Theatre have set up a pop up movie screen on the green, playing holiday favourites Elf, Its a Wonderful Life, Love Actually and Home Alone ( please contact the theatre directly for accurate movie times ).

And for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Market, find peace and spiritualism at both the Methodist — which will be hosting mass all throughout the holiday season, including Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and all the Christmas Day Services; and Temple Beth El, who will be hosting a ‘make your own mezuzah’ stall, and Hanukkiah kits provided by Chabad of Humboldt County, as well as hourly reenactments of the miracle of the Maccabees from the very first Hanukkah.

Finally, as a special festive treat our much beloved Horse Carriage Rides are offering a holiday trip, perfect for you and the family, taking riders around the city to look at all of the lights and down to the bay before arriving back into Old Town.

From the city of Eureka, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season.

“Hey man, sorry I’m late,” Vinnie apologized, getting caught up at the park with Sammy before realizing he needed to hurry and meet Luca. “Though I do come bearing gifts — beer, in this case.” Holding up both glasses of beer he’d gotten at a random stall, he handed one over to Luca. Somehow the days between Christmas and the New Year felt off, as they did every year. So he figured spending some time at the Winterfest on his day off wouldn’t hurt. “How was Christmas? Spent some time with the family?”