Christmas California Style has become an annual tradition the second weekend after Thanksgiving Day for the California Area Chamber of Commerce. Area businesses open for special hours, provide unique events or add giveaways during the day Dec. 2.
That evening, a lighted holiday parade - what Mayor Norris Gerhart calls one of the best in the state - is followed by the mayor's Christmas tree lighting, a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus and special music from Sounds of Joy at the Moniteau County Courthouse.
A double open house will be held at the historic, stone building at 300 S. Oak St., commonly known as the "Newton Studio."
Owner Greg Baer invites the public to see the inside of the longest-operating, natural light photo studio west of the Mississippi River and also the first site of a public telephone switchboard. The 2,500-square-feet commercial building, with attached apartment in the rear, is for sale.
However, the space will provide a nice setting for open house-goers to view specialty wood items created throughout the year by Baer Brothers. Unlike their commercial work, building cabinets and restoring furniture, these pieces allow the woodworkers to make one-of-a-kind, "live edge" (meaning the lumber often is still shaped like a tree with bark still attached) items.
Pieces for sale will include serving trays, mirrors and coat racks. All the wood is from Missouri, even the "exotic" sycamore spalding.
"We do these as a sideline," Baer said. "I'm' not sure where else you would find these things."
At Phillips Funeral Home, visitors may fill out a holiday card to hang on the Memory Tree, said funeral director Bob Borning.
Last year was the first year for the idea locally, however Borning said he brought it with him from other places he has worked.
"We had a pretty good turnout," he said, with more than 100 memory ornaments being hung in honor of loved ones.
The open house also creates the opportunity for the community to see the inside of the facility and meet the staff outside of a funeral setting, Borning said.
A handmade decoration will be given away each hour 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Several banks, including Hawthorn Bank, will add refreshments and giveaways to their normal business hours 9 am.-noon.
"We're inviting the public in and being active chamber members," said Branch Manager Becky Lawson. "It's a pretty fun day."
Similarly, Bond Pharmacy has found the Christmas California Style day draws in new faces, as well as regular customers with whom they can visit in a more casual environment, said Pharmacy Manager Angie Weber.
"It allows us time to spend with our customers out in front in a different atmosphere than on the pharmacy side; we visit and have fun," Weber said. "I think it's wonderful."
Other participating businesses hosting events between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., include Brockes Tire and Auto, The Flower Shop, Burgers Smokehouse, Commerce Bank, Taylor Tire LLC, People's Bank and Central Bank.
With 38 years in business, Mr. G's Liquor has been involved with Christmas California Style from the beginning, owner Norris Gerhart said.
"It keeps people in California that weekend," he said.
The store will again host a wine tasting 1-3 p.m., providing small samples of a variety of festive beverages.
"For two hours, we have a lot of fun," Gerhart said.
Hundreds will gather downtown for the lighted parade, this year themed "A Christmas Dream." After that, visitors may visit the Moniteau County Courthouse, where Gerhart will light the Mayor's Christmas Tree, California High School Sounds of Joy will perform and Mr. and Mrs. Santa will be on hand. Other local events following the parade include the annual chicken noodle soup and chili dinner at First Christian Church and a radio-style performance of "A Christmas Carol" at 7 p.m. at the Finke Theater.