Attend one event or stagger your day to enjoy all three; any way you slice it, Dec. 12 will be a festive day in Amador County. Start with Ione Christmas parade and open house, offering old-fashioned, family-friendly fun on historic Main Street from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Parade entries include horse groups, musical groups, classic cars and Santa, with lots of spectators (and their pups) perched along the curb in folding chairs. From Ione, the action moves to the Gold Rush hamlet of Volcano for the Scots Candlelight Christmas Walk, a Scottish tradition begun in 1982 by the Mother Lode Scots, a heritage organization.
The dog-friendly procession starts at the historic Armory and proceeds to the steps of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, where all receive a blessing in Gaelic. Then it’s back to the Armory for music, dancing and a buffet of soups, stews, homemade breads and desserts.
Don’t tucker out just yet: The day’s climax comes at 6:30 p.m. when the Parade of Lights steps out in downtown Sutter Creek. It’s a not-to-be-missed spectacle with everything from cars, mail trucks, school buses, horses, dogs, people, marching bands and more decked out in twinkling lights. Bring your dog and enjoy the tradition! Want to stay over? Reserve early at the dog-friendly Days Inn Sutter Creek.
Photo Credit: TheGiantVermin (CC)