Boulder Creek's Annual Winter Festival Lights Up the Town with Holiday Spirit
by Andrew Naylor
Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 12:44 AM.
BOULDER CREEK, CA - This past Saturday, Boulder Creek transformed Forest Street into a winter wonderland for its annual Winter Festival, attracting residents and visitors alike with a captivating blend of music, crafts, and holiday cheer.
Organized by the Boulder Creek Recreation and Park District (BPRPD), the Boulder Creek Business Association (BCBA), and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF), the festival presented an idyllic setting for the community to come together and celebrate the season's festivities.
The centerpiece of the event was the much-anticipated tree lighting, which illuminated the evening with a warm, festive glow. Attendees of all ages reveled in the array of activities that dotted the venue. While the event was free to enter, certain attractions such as the petting zoo, a chance to snap photos with Santa, various DIY craft sessions hosted by local vendors, and non-alcoholic beverages from the Tap Truck required tickets. Food and alcoholic beverages were available for direct purchase from a diverse selection of food court vendors.
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, generous locals donated tickets to ensure that families in need could also partake in these ticketed activities.
Adding to the vibrant atmosphere were three local bands that provided a soundtrack to the day's celebrations. The SLV School Jazz Band set the stage with their opening performance at 1:00 pm, followed by the Buffalo Blues Trio at 1:45 pm. The Dirt Rakers kept the energy high with their tunes playing right up until the tree lighting ceremony.
New resident Mandi Mynatt, experiencing her first Boulder Creek Winter Festival, shared her enchantment on Facebook, likening the town to a scene from a Hallmark movie. “It felt like we live in a Hallmark town,” she wrote, humorously adding, “I was trying to spot which person was the cynical lawyer about to have her heart warmed by Christmas magic.”
The Boulder Creek Winter Festival, with its blend of community engagement and festive joy, once again proved to be a cherished tradition, fostering a sense of togetherness and holiday spirit among residents and visitors alike.
