Gary Carnivele
Special to the Sun
It’s difficult to dream about a holiday season that doesn’t include a winter wonderland populated by those whimsical characters composed mainly of three orbs of compacted snow. The very lack of that important ingredient poses a creative challenge to those Sonoma Valley businesses participating in the “Sonoman Season Decorations Contest.”
Participants are asked to create displays that include a “Sonoman” character and capture the spirit of the holidays. The installations will be judged in a number of categories including: Best Store Window, Best Outdoor Snowscape and Best “Sonoman” Theme. The new category this year is Most Earth Friendly, and must include sustainable materials or use natural elements. The decorations contest is sponsored by the Sonoma Valley Sun. Judging will take place Nov. 28 through Dec. 5 and the winners will be announced in the Dec. 12 issue of the Sun.
A judging committee made up of some of Sonoma Valley’s most creative folks will view all the imaginative scenes and award the honors to the outstanding entrees. Everyone can have a say in who should get The People’s Choice Award by voting for their favorite on the Sun’s Web site, www.sonomasun.com.
Last year, “Carrot-Top,” a snowman with a carrot mohawk and blue sequined eyes, won the coveted People’s Choice Award. The big snowman was designed and hand-made by El Pueblo Inn owner Wendy Watkins-Stewart. Other winning Sonoman decorations adorned Fleurtique’s window and the entrance to Sonoma Court Shops. More than 30 businesses participated last year and even more are expected to join in on the fun this year.
“Sonoma Valley Bank is excited about entering the Sonoman contest for the first time this year and we’ll be installing a great display on the roof of the drive-through area at our Sonoma branch,” said Christy Coulston, the bank’s marketing director. “We’ll also have a Sonoman display in the lobby, and each teller will be creating their own Sonoman for their stations.”
The “Sonoman” contest is the brainchild of Dave Allen of Artefact Design and Salvage in Sonoma. Three years ago, Allen started the Snowman Parade on the Cornerstone Place grounds. He envisioned valley businesses being given a snowman form to embellish for their holiday displays, but the form’s manufacturer went out of business. A grassroots group formed and decided local merchants should dream up and create their own variation on the “Sonoman” theme.
The valley-wide decorations contest is just one element of the third annual Sonoman Season, which will offer a full schedule of holiday events designed to encourage folks to patronize local businesses. The lighting of the Christmas tree on Sonoma Plaza, the arrival of Santa Claus, a Gallery Walk, strolling carolers and many other events will happen during Sonoman Season.
“This is a way for local businesses to band together and participate in a full month of holiday events that will attract visitors and residents to shop, play and stay in the Sonoma Valley,” said Sonoman Season co-chair Dyann Espinosa. “We hope the 2008 Sonoman Season, with major events centered in the town of Sonoma, will offer merchants the extra help they might need during what may be a challenging holiday season.”
To enter the decorations contest, download a participant form at www.sonomanseason.com, or request a form at sonomanseason@gmail.com, or by phoning 707.939.2700.
Sonoman Season Schedule of Events 2008
•Sonoman Season Opening: Saturday, Nov. 29. Lighting of the Sonomen at
Artefact Design & Salvage at Cornerstone Place.
•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.
•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. The charitable beneficiary is F.I.S.H. (Friends in Sonoma Helping). Food and donations can be dropped off at designated locations.
For a complete schedule of events and more information visit www.sonomanseason.com.
