Holiday festivities a present for all to enjoy

Ho. Ho. Ho.

It's a popular refrain we should be hearing quite a bit in the coming weeks. It heralds the arrival of the Christmas season in Boulder City, and part of what makes living in this community so special.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who waits — somewhat impatiently — for the first weekend in December to roll around each year.

Holiday festivities kick off tonight with the Luminaria and Los Posadas. The living re-enactment of the Nativity includes a carol sing-along. Local school choirs join with members of Boulder City United Methodist Fellowship to remind everyone about the true meaning behind the spirit of Christmas.

The following night is when the city literally lights up for the holiday. The lights on the city's decorated tree in Frank Crowe Park will be switched on. It draws hundreds, who gather to get a glimpse at the jolly fellow in the red suit (and maybe put in a word or two about how good they have been all year) and Jingle Cat.

Though many think that will be their first appearance for the year, the two actually help Boulder City residents Dale Ryan and Dyanah Musgrave turn on the lights at their home on Fifth Street. The couple have created a winter wonderland in their front yard and no holiday season would be complete without a visit.

Saturday is a busy day. From practically dawn until way after sunset there is much to do and plenty to celebrate. There's the Angel Tree Pancake Breakfast, Doodlebug Bazaar, Santa's Picture Party, Santa's Electric Night Parade and the Parade of Lights at Lake Mead. Plus, the Southern Nevada Railway will once again host its popular Santa and Pajama trains.

Fortunately, they are timed perfectly so we can enjoy them all. Or maybe event organizers got a lesson from Santa himself about how to spread so much holiday cheer in such a limited amount of time.

Either way, it's a present for the people of Boulder City. And one we don't need to wait until Christmas to open and enjoy.

PRETTY PACKAGES

Speaking of pretty packages, the look of the Boulder City Review and its online presence was one of the subjects addressed by members of the paper's Readers' Advisory Group during its November meeting.

Using bigger pictures and more color were among the suggestions offered. And hopefully something we can implement in the near future.

Additionally, we discussed getting more locations in town to place newspaper boxes to make it easier for residents to find the paper, as well as putting in more stories about activities and accomplishments of students at all four of the city's schools. Both of those ideas are in the works.

Our final and most enthusiastic discussion was about creating pictorial lists about things that make Boulder City great. We talked about who serves the best burgers and desserts, what outdoor amenities are here that people can take advantage of, and how to best showcase the city's unique historical properties.

They eagerly volunteered to help compile the lists — and sample the burgers — and everyone is bringing in their own lists of favorites for us to consider and pass along to you.

Not everything the group discusses is acted upon, such as the idea of adding restaurant reviews. But, the important thing is that members feel comfortable enough to bring ideas to the table.

We will continue to work to bring topics that interest the community to the pages of the Boulder City Review each week and make whatever improvements we can. If you have ideas for us to consider, please send them in. It will give the group something to chew on.

Hali Bernstein Saylor is editor of the Boulder City Review. She can be reached at hsaylor@bouldercityreview.com or at 702-586-9523. Follow @HalisComment on Twitter.