'Tis the early season

Colusa County residents won't have to wait until Black Friday to get a jump on their holiday shopping.

Multiple shopping opportunities are in store for the upcoming weekend in the form of a farmers markets, craft shows and business open houses.

The Holiday Farmers Market will be held Saturday inside the Colusa Business and Visitor Center.

"There is still a lot of great local produce and products out there," said Melanie Jacobs, Visitor Center secretary. "A lot of our vendors are returning from our summer farmers market, which was a huge success."

Flavored almonds, cheeses, breads, jams and beans will be available at the market. All make great personal Christmas gifts or adds a local flavor to holiday meals, Jacobs said.

The market will also feature non-food items like holiday wreaths, decorations and art. Many of the items will also be available during the holidays at Colusa County Bounty, in the Visitor Center lobby.

Also on Saturday, the 23rd annual Holiday Craft Fair gets underway at the Colusa County Fairgrounds. Three buildings will be stuffed with more than 120 vendors for the annual two-day extravaganza.

Christmas gifts, ornaments, handcrafted items, jams, jellies and crafts of all kinds will be available from vendors from all over northern California.

It's the first opportunity of the year in Colusa County for children to see Santa Claus and have their picture taken, said Carolan Meek, chief executive officer.

Weather permitting, the craft fair will include outside activities such as a bounce house, a small sampling of carnival rides for children, and food and drinks. Kids who bring a toy for the fire department's annual toys for tots, will get one ride free, Meek said.

At 2 p.m. on Saturday, the dance troop from Stardust Dance in Maxwell will perform for craft fair visitors.

While out, shoppers can also get a jump on holiday shopping at all their local businesses. Many are starting their holiday sales before Thanksgiving, offering shoppers the opportunity to shop locally and save.

Business open houses Saturday include Richie's Florist in Colusa, which will provide refreshments and holiday cheer to their customers to enhance the shopping experience.

Other great shopping opportunities and local holiday events continue after Thanksgiving. Santa Claus will make his annual visit to Fouch & Son Pharmacy in Williams from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 2. The first 60 children will get a special gift from Santa.

Santa Claus will also roll into town atop a fire engine when Colusa's Olde Tyme Christmas celebration gets underway in downtown Colusa on Dec. 4.

SHOP FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Colusa Farmers Market:  8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday
Colusa County Business and Visitor Center
2963 Davison Court, Colusa

Holiday Craft Fair: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Colusa County Fairgrounds  
1303 10th St., Colusa
Free admission/free parking

Holiday Open House:  Richie’s Florist
9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 427 Market St., Colusa

Contact Susan Meeker at 458-2121 or smeeker@tcnpress.com.