Festive, Fun-filled, and Phenomenal by Greg Kristapovich
The Sonora Christmas Festival
Santa is serenaded by Hattie, the daughter of legendary musician Joe Craven (who will be appearing at the Sonora Christmas Festival!).
“It’s an olde fashioned Christmas festival! People look forward to coming, year after year. They bring their family and friends! They come from all over to see this festival! And the crafts people come from all over the country!” exclaims Richard Burleigh, promoter for Fire on the Mountain – which is presenting their 35th Annual Sonora Christmas Festival (at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds, November 27-29)! “It’s the ‘Grand-daddy’ of the Mother Lode arts festivals!” Richard proclaimed. Indeed, this festival often has been ranked in the Top 10 Christmas festivals on the West Coast! This year, there are more than 150 crafts people! “There are quite a few new craft artists, this year! There’s a lot of new booths, actually!” exclaimed Corinne Grandstaff, Richard’s wife. The Waldorf School, for example, will be debuting their kids’ craft booth, with hands-on wreath making and candle dipping! And there’ll be music! Virtually non-stop music and entertainment, rotating between four stages (including a children’s stage) and “street performers”! The very popular troupe, Mirth & Glee Singers will make their 30th appearance, and entertain you with traditional carols to upbeat pop tunes, in joyful a cappella harmony! The legendary Christmas Jug Band will be there, too! They’re an all acoustic, tongue-in-cheek ensemble featuring all-star musicians from the Bay Area! Debuting this year is a great Blues duo, Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan (Sat., Sun.)
Santa, exciting musicians and a lot of green-faced elves eagerly await your arrival at the Sonora Christmas Festival!
Other stellar performers include Joe Craven and Camptown – named Folk Alliance Performer of The Year; the ever popular troupe, Golden Bough, performing Celtic music, (Fri., Sat.); Sourdough Slim (Fri., Sat.); and Home Grown, out of Modesto, has just been added for some shows on Sunday! They’ll be promoting their new Christmas CD! Also, by popular demand, the local ensemble, Chains Required will appear at the festival! Everywhere you walk you’ll see or hear something fascinating! The Ukulele Duo will stroll about; as will a lot of friendly little, green-faced elves! There’ll be crafts and food, galore! In the latter category, you’ll be tempted by BBQ tri-tip, pulled pork, burritos, Cajun fish, shrimp tempura, pizza, hummus, Columbia Diggins Kettle Corn, Columbia Soda Work’s Sarsaparilla, and myriad mouth-watering dishes! The array of crafts will boggle the mind, too! There’ll be everything from weavers and metal smiths to artisans with their blown glass and hand-made clothing! And to further please the palate, there’ll be delicacies like peanut brittle, olive oils, nuts, salsas-and a lot more! (And, back by popular demand: the Dog Biscuit Stockings!!) There’ll be something for everyone! Admission to the festival is very affordable and there are several discounts available: Children under 12 are admitted free, with a paid adult; Seniors (60+) pay only $5; and there is a $2 discount on the adult admission (Sunday) if you donate a canned good! The festival opens daily at 10 a.m.; closing at 5 p.m., both Sat. and Sun. and 4 p.m. on Sunday. Parking is only $2. (Special note: a tribute to the late Norton Buffalo will take place Saturday. The famed harmonica virtuoso passed away October 30th. Norton had performed alongside many superstars, including The Steve Miller Band – and was a mainstay at the Sonora Christmas Festivals!) For more information about the Sonora Christmas Festival, log on to Fireonthemountain.com, or call (209) 533-3473!
