Whitehall Christmas Stroll Saturday

Each year the Whitehall area comes together the first Saturday of December for the annual Christmas Stroll.

Organized by the Whitehall Chamber of Commerce, this year's stroll is scheduled for Saturday, December 7 and will feature a wide variety of activities for all ages.

Chamber President Melissa Jenkins has been the chair of the stroll committee for the past two years and is excited about the upcoming event.

"The chamber is super eager to once again be hosting the event. I really feel this year is another great opportunity for families to visit downtown Whitehall and take part in the activities," she said.

The 2019 Stroll will unofficially kick off with the annual Rocky Mountain Bank Holiday Open House, which is scheduled for Friday, December 6 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The popular annual event will feature refreshments and desserts sure to please the pickiest eater.

The Community Center will be a hub activity Saturday, December 7 starting with the Vendors Market that will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jenkins said this year's market will once again have a wide variety of vendors that will provide many gift options.

"There are so many different types of vendors at the stroll and it is also nice to be able to find a gift without having to leave town," she said.

The third annual Whitehall Chamber Quilt Show will also take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jenkins feels this has been a really positive addition to the stroll lineup.

"People really seem to enjoy being able to come down the community center to not only shop but also look at some really beautiful quilts," Jenkins said.

For those who are hungry, the annual Whitehall Veterans Chili Feed is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"This is an event that is a win-win for the community. Not only do you get a great bowl of chili, but you also get the opportunity to help out the two local Veteran organizations," Jenkins said.

The Whitehall Community Library will also have a jam-packed schedule during the 2019 stroll.

A book sale is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and events also include a winter wear giveaway from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., a Friends of the Library reception from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and crafts from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

And of course, the Library will once again host the arrival of Santa who will make his annual visit to Whitehall from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Jenkins lauded the efforts of the library during the stroll.

"They not only cater to kids with the arrival of Santa and crafts, but they also have events for adults. They really do a tremendous job being a major player in the yearly event," she said.

Hayrides from Travis Nielson (with Moose and his buckboard) are scheduled from 3 to 5 p.m. Nielson will only be able to take three people at a time and a waiver is required. The waver can be found at the Whitehall Chamber table at the Community Center.

A gun raffle to benefit to Chamber has also been added in 2019 and tickets will be sold during the market and quilt show.

Unfortunately, the 2019 Jefferson Valley Arts Show that has become a well-attended part of the Christmas Stroll has been canceled this year.

The fourth annual Whitehall Chamber Christmas Lights contest is also happening during the stroll and is sponsored by Vigilante Electric. Entries are due to the chamber by 10 a.m. on December 5 and houses must be fully lit by the 7th. Winners will be announced on December 9 on the chamber Facebook page.

The Christmas Stroll will conclude with the 22nd annual Whitehall Saddle Club Wreath Auction. Wreaths will be on display from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the community center, and the live auction is scheduled for 7 p.m. (See more about the event on page 14).

Jenkins said the auction is vital to the Whitehall area community.

"The Saddle Club goes above and beyond for the community with this event. It helps out so many worthwhile organizations," she said.

Along with the activities, Jenkins believes the Stroll fosters a strong sense of community for local residents.

"It is wonderful to see everyone coming downtown. Whether it is a huge basketball game or an event like the stroll, there is something special about having so many residents gathered in one place," she said.

Jenkins also feels the Stroll is an opportunity to shop at local businesses, eat at local restaurants, and have a drink at one of the bars.

"One of the best parts about the event is that it brings people downtown and hopefully they can spend time at one of our many establishments," she said.

For more information about the stroll, please contact the Whitehall Chamber at 406-287-2260 or email whitehallmtchamber@gmail.com.