Here is December’s essential guide to activities, events, exhibits, fundraisers, and more that are coming soon to Three Rivers and the surrounding areas. Watch this space regularly as it is kept current and continually updated with new listings.
Notes: (1) Events are listed in date order; and (2) All area codes are 559 unless noted otherwise. Calendar of Eventsalendar of Events
‘TIS THE GIVING SEASON…
VALLEY OAK CREDIT UNION
Drop off new, unwrapped toys through Monday, Dec. 16, at any VOCU location (including Three Rivers, 40870 Sierra Drive). Donations will go to Toys for Tots and Salvation Army.
KIWANIS OF WOODLAKE
Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 am-3 pm, Miller Brown Park, Woodlake. Bring a new toy valued at $10 or more to this fun-for-the-whole-family event featuring food, giveaways, and games. Donor receives one raffle ticket for each toy donated. Photo opportunities with Santa The Grinch! Also toys will be donated to Woodlake children. Free; open to the public.
TULARE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Drop off new, unwrapped toys, gently used coats, and nonperishable food for children pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Toy, food, and coat drives continue through Friday, Dec. 13. Donations may be made at TCSO Headquarters (833 S. Akers, Visalia) or any TCSO substation throughout Tulare County.
WEEKEND WATCH…
THREE RIVERS LIONS CLUB: CHRISTMAS TREE LOT
Open daily till 6 pm through Christmas (or until the trees are gone), Three Rivers Mercantile parking lot. Christmas trees available (3-9 feet in height); proceeds benefit Three Rivers Lions Club. Inquire within at the Mercantile if there isn’t a volunteer at the lot; volunteers will be onsite each evening (and after the store closes). Credit cards accepted.
RIVER VIEW LOUNGE: LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Friday, Dec. 6, 8 pm-midnight: Karaoke. 42323 Sierra Dr., Three Rivers. 561-2211.
LIONS CLUB CHRISTMAS TREE LOT: BAKE SALE AND SANTA CLAUS
Saturday, Dec. 7, Three Rivers Mercantile parking lot. 9 am-noon: Bake sale. 10 am and 2 pm: Bring the kids and take photos with Santa Claus.r of Ev
1ST SATURDAY THREE RIVERS
Saturday, Dec. 7, 11 am-5 pm (approximate), throughout Three Rivers (watch for the purple/gold flags). Featured Artist: Tom Marshall (photography). Pick up free maps and schedules at Three Rivers Historical Museum or Three Rivers Arts Center. Dozens of artists; art for show and sale. Website.
MAIN SQUEEZE MARKET: FOOD TRUCKS AND MORE
Saturday, Dec. 7, 11 am-4 pm: Burtlow Barbecue. Sunday, Dec. 8, noon-4 pm: Roots Jamaican. Main Squeeze Market, junction of Hwy. 198 at Woodlake turnoff, Lemon Cove.a
A JAMBOREE FOR KEVIN YEE
Saturday, Dec. 7, 4-10 pm, Three Rivers Memorial Building. A fundraiser for Kevin Yee, musician / artist, of Three Rivers to assist with medical expenses due to a major stroke while overseas. The evening will include live music (Run 4 Cover, Dharma Bums, Mystic Prophets, Confluence), dinner, art, silent auction, prizes, and more. Presale tickets: $25 (with dinner); $15 (without dinner). Tickets at the event: $30 (dinner); $20 (without dinner). Information / tickets: 640-7337.
SPIRIT OF THE HOLIDAYS
Saturday, Dec. 7, 5-8 pm, Exeter Memorial Building, 324 N. Kaweah Avenue (Highway 65), Exeter. Annual gala wine-tasting event, sponsored by Exeter Kiwanis Club. Premium wines, craft whiskeys, hors d’oeuvres, live auction, silent auction, raffle. Tickets: $60 (proceeds benefit Kiwanis community projects). Purchase tickets online.
SEQUOIA-KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS: FEE-FREE DAY
Sunday, Dec. 8. Entrance fees will be waived to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for all visitors in honor of the annual “Trek to the Nation’s Christmas Tree” celebration. (See below.)
SPRINGVILLE HISTORICAL MUSEUM: OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS
Saturday, Dec. 8, 1-4 pm, Springville Historical Museum (on the Springville Rodeo Grounds), Highway 190. See blacksmiths and weavers at work, learn the ways of the pioneer days. Demonstrations, caroling, musicians, dancing, food (Cookies! Popcorn!), and drink. Bring the whole family and take holiday photos using the photo backdrops. Raffle prizes (including a flat-screen TV). Lots of old-fashioned Christmas fun! Free; open to the public.
TREK TO THE NATION’S CHRISTMAS TREE
Sunday, Dec. 8, 2:30-5 pm, General Grant Tree, Grant Grove area, Kings Canyon National Park. The 93rd annual event will include messages and music at the base of the world’s second largest tree. All are welcome to attend this gathering that is organized by the Sanger Chamber of Commerce. Alternative transportation to the tree: Charter buses depart from Sanger. Call 875-4575.
vnts | November 2019
NEXT WEEK AND BEYOND…
AFTERNOON AT THE MOVIES
Monday, Dec. 9, 1 pm, Assembly Room, St. Anthony Retreat Center, Three Rivers. A showing of the film The King and I. Sponsored by Aging in Community-Three Rivers. Refreshments. Rides provided for those without transportation (call 465-4666 or 561-4703). Free; open to the public. Also available: A pre-movie senior lunch special (soup, sandwich, drink, and cookie). Cost: $5. Reservations: Barbara Lahmann, 561-4595. Call by Sunday, Dec. 8.
THREE RIVERS BREAD BASKET: DECEMBER’S COMMUNITY 
PRODUCE GROCERY / FOOD PANTRY DISTRIBUTION
Wednesday, Dec. 11, 11 am-1 pm, Three Rivers Arts Center. Fresh fruits and vegetables are available to all Three Rivers residents for free as part of the California Association of Food Banks Farm to Family program. This is also the only food pantry distribution day in December. 561-4154.
OUR PLACE PLAYGROUP
Friday, Dec. 13, 10:30 am, Our Place Playground (at Three Rivers Library). Weekly preschoolers’ get-together. Information: opplaygroup3r@gmail.com.
CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
Saturday, Dec. 14, 6 am (for owling in the foothills); 7 am (for birding throughout the park); meet at Foothills Visitor Center, Sequoia National Park. Participants will pick a specific area in Sequoia to count birds; distance and difficult of routes vary. Sponsored by Sequoia Parks Conservancy. Register here.
CITRUS DISPLAY AND TASTING
Saturday, Dec. 14, 9 am-2 pm, Lindcove Field Station, 22963 Carson Avenue, Mehrten Valley. See and taste more than 100 citrus varieties that are grown at the University of California Cooperative Extension’s Lindcove Field Station. Take a bag of fruit home for $5. Choose from Cara Caras, Navels, Mandarins, or assorted citrus. The Master Gardeners as well as UC Cooperative Extension Advisors will be on site to answer questions from home gardeners and citrus connoisseurs. Directions: Take Highway198 to Mehrten Drive, turn north, and follow the signs to the Conference Center at the end of Carson Avenue.
MAIN SQUEEZE MARKET: FOOD TRUCKS AND MORE
Saturday, Dec. 14, 11 am-4 pm: Burtlow Barbecue. Sunday, Dec. 15, noon-4 pm: Mamma Rita’s. Main Squeeze Market, junction of Hwy. 198 at Woodlake turnoff, Lemon Cove.a
SIERRA TRADITIONAL JAZZ CLUB: CHRISTMAS PARTY
Saturday, Dec. 14, 1-5 pm (doors open at noon), Three Rivers Memorial Building. Concert will feature the newly formed Sierra Seven Jazz Band. Bring a potluck finger food to share during intermission. Open to the public. Admission: $10 (free for STJC members).
CHEROKEE OAKS CHRISTMAS PARADE
Saturday, Dec. 14, 3 pm, in the Cherokee Oaks subdivision, Three Rivers. A community gathering with the theme of “Celebration of Neighbors and Friends.” Special parade participant: Three Rivers Union School band. Keep an eye out for Santa Claus! Spectators are welcome.
WOODLAKE CHRISTMAS PARADE
Saturday, Dec. 14, 4-8 pm, downtown Woodlake. Annual parade to kick off the holiday season. Sponsored by The Homegrown Project. Santa’s Workshop and more. Free; open to the public.
COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CAROLING
Saturday, Dec. 14, 5-7 pm, on the grounds of Three Rivers Historical Museum, 42268 Sierra Dr. Sing with neighbors and friends around the bonfire and enjoy S’mores and hot chocolate. Free; open to the public. 561-2707.
EXETER CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
Thursday, Dec. 19, Downtown Exeter. Food, holiday cheer, lcarolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, antique fire truck rides, Santa Claus, and businesses open late for holiday shoppers. Open to the public. Sponsored by Exeter Chamber of Commerce. See website for more information.
MIDVALLEY DISPOSAL: HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
CHRISTMAS DAY – Wednesday, Dec. 25 (and New Year’s Day-January 1). If your regular pickup day is on this day, waste will be collected the following day.
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