An Oakdale holiday tradition – Cowboy Christmas – is among the special events coming up this Friday and Saturday, Nov. 27 and Nov 28 for the community – its 23rd consecutive year. Hosted by the Oakdale Cowboy Museum, the event starts with a special evening of holiday vendors with a Christmas Gift and Craft Show at the Gene Bianchi Community Center on Friday, Nov. 27 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and again on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
According to museum assistant, Karen Serpa, over 40 exhibitor booths will be on display with just about anything western including beautiful western art, furniture, jewelry, apparel, cowboy grub and entertainment.
Cowboy Santa arrives on horseback Saturday at 11 a.m. in the Oakdale Town Plaza outside the center, spending some time taking photos with youngsters and hearing their holiday wishes.
Also, the Oakdale Garden Club, in cooperation with the City of Oakdale, will sponsor the annual Festival of Trees in Wood Park downtown, with the Mayor’s tree, and the sponsored trees, lighted in a ceremony scheduled for Friday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m.
Set up for the trees will be Friday, Nov. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and local residents can bring their own tree and decorations or ‘adopt’ a tree for $10. The official Tree Lighting Ceremony follows the next week.
The parade of trees decorated by local businesses, community groups, non-profits, families and individuals, delights visitors and those just passing through. A large candy cane, with the sponsor’s name, accompanies each decorated tree.
Proceeds benefit scholarships for Oakdale High School seniors. The Oakdale Garden Club will provide free cookies and cider for all to enjoy. There will also be music to get everyone in the mood for the holiday season.
On Sunday, Nov. 29 the fun continues with the Sixth Annual Oakdale Cowboy Capital of the World Santa Crawl starting at the H-B Saloon at 11 a.m.
Participants are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Christmas costume or ugliest sweater as local “watering holes” are visited. A prize will be awarded for the best outfit.
Tickets can be purchased for $35 at Lana’s Spur of the Moment on West F Street or at the H-B Saloon the day of the event. Proceeds benefit Spirit of Oakdale.
