Talkeetna ‘Winterfest’ begins Nov. 22

Frontiersman.com

TALKEETNA — Talkeetna Chamber of Commerce’s annual Talkeetna “Winterfest” runs Nov. 22 to Dec. 24 and includes such annual staples as the Bachelor Auction and the Wilderness Woman contest on Dec. 7.

Here’s a schedule of events:

• Emporium Decorum — Nov. 22, 4 to 8 p.m.; Nov. 23, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Nov. 24, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. — at the Sheldon Community Arts Hangar.

• “Romeo and Juliet” performed by Susitna Valley High School, 7 p.m., Nov. 25, 26 and 27

• Tree Lighting Ceremony at the downtown park 2 p.m., Dec. 1, courtesy of the Girl Scouts. Christmas caroling and hot chocolate possibly to follow.

• Alaska Railroad Poster signing 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Northern Susitna Institute. Meet the artist of this year’s poster or ride the Hurricane turnaround train.

• Motorized Parade of Lights, “Reality Talkeetna.” Vern Halter will be the grand marshal. Parade reception is at Swiss Alaska at 6 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., the parade starts throughout Talkeetna and ends on Main Street. Live coverage from KTNA.

• Meet the bachelor’s, all the men who go up for auction at the Fairview following the parade.

• Dec. 7 — Bazaar at the elementary school, 10 a.m.; K-Bay Auction Wilderness Woman Contest, 1 p.m.; Bachelor Auction, 8 p.m., following with the Bachelor Ball; all-night breakfast starting at midnight at the Roadhouse.

• Dec. 8, Gingerbread House Workshop at the Flying Squirrel.

• Dec. 12, Chamber Christmas Party at Susitna River Lodge, 6:30 p.m.

• Dec. 14, Taste of Talkeetna, 4 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 and available at the Roadhouse $30. Also, art opening with live music at the Flying Squirrel; Quilt Show art opening reception at 6:30 p.m., Sheldon Arts Hangar; Hangar Cinema hosts “Polar Express” at 7:30 p.m.; live music at the Fairview.

• Dec. 15, Kid’s Cookie Decorating, 1 to 4 p.m. at the Roadhouse.

• Dec. 15, Gingerbread House Workshop at the Flying Squirrel.

• Dec. 15, Festival of Lights, 6 p.m. at the Sheldon Arts Hangar.

• Dec. 17, Great Bake-N-Take Cookie Exchange, 3 p.m. at the Roadhouse. Cost $10.

• Dec. 20, 21 and 22, 7:30 p.m., Denali Drama presents a holiday performance.

• Dec. 24, Christmas Eve services at different churches.