The Sonoman Season is an annual celebration that involves all the businesses in Sonoma Valley, each participant creating a “Sonoman” character in unique and imaginative displays. This grassroots effort has become a yearly holiday tradition that inspires locals and visitors alike to join in an enchanting winter season where they can sip, stroll, shop and view the fantastic “Sonoman” creations.
To kick off the third annual Sonoman Season, a valley-wide decorations contest will be held Nov. 28 to Dec. 5. All Sonoma Valley businesses will have the opportunity to compete for the “Best Sonoman Decorations,” sponsored by Three House MultiMedia and the Sonoma Valley Sun. The judging will take place Nov. 28 through Dec. 5, with the winners announced in the Dec. 12 issue of the Sun.
Categories will include: Best Store Window (overall window design), Best Outdoor Snowscape (use of “snow”/sonoman concept outdoors), Best Sonoman Theme (best interpretation of “Sonoman”), Most Earth-Friendly (sustainable materials/best use of nature), Most Original Concept (anything goes), Best Historical/Retro (history or period design).
Additional Awards will be given for People’s Choice (write-in or vote on THMM Web site) and Judge’s Choice – a special award or awards for outstanding ideas not included in the above categories.
The Sonoman Season judging committee includes: Lia Transue, executive director, Sonoma Valley Museum of Art; Francie Skaats, owner/interior designer, H. Frank; Peter Berkley, graphic designer, owner Belle Creative; Rafe Tomsett, aviation photographer; Bonnie Gemmell, co-owner, addwater2; Marion Clifford, graphic designer, Impakt Design.
To enter the decorations contest, request a participant form at sonomanseason@gmail.com, or phone 707.939.2700.
Sonoman Season
Schedule of Events
2008 Sonoman Season Opening: Saturday, Nov. 29
Artefact Design & Salvage at Cornerstone Place: Lighting of the Sonomen.
Arrival of Santa, lighting of Plaza tree: Friday, Dec. 5, Sonoma Plaza.
Sponsored by the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce with the Sonoma Valley Community Center; refreshments by the Soroptimists.
Gallery Walk: Friday, Dec. 12
Art shows and open studios at area art galleries.
Weekends of Dec. 6, 13 and 20.
Caroling and music around the Plaza. Area music and chorale groups provide entertainment around the Plaza.
Stroll, Sip and Shop: Special events in shops and restaurants.
All participating organizations and businesses can showcase their special events and promotions, with each event featured in the Sonoman Season Calendar, Web site (www.sonomanseason.com) and brochure.
The Charitable Beneficiary: F.I.S.H. (Friends in Sonoma Helping) Food and donations can be dropped off at designated locations.
To participate in the Sonoman Season, contact sonomanseason@gmail.com, call Meta Strauss at Etre Sonoma at 707.939.2700, fax forms to 707.939.2780 or mail to PO Box 427, Vineburg, CA 95487.
