Local Celebs to Star at Julian Country Christmas
By Bobbi Zane

Christmas in Oakwood Creek shop, Julian. Photo by Carol Kinney

Three of Julian's most celebrated volunteers will be honored at the town's annual Country Christmas celebration at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25 at Pioneer Park.

Kudos go to Vee Lumpkins, who manages the senior lunch program and Julian Outreach. She also served as the grand marshal of the Fourth of July parade this year.

Mike Menghini, who can be found atop a boom this time of year decorating the town's 100-foot tall living Christmas tree, was selected Julian's first Merchant of the Year by the Julian Merchant's Association. The honor recognizes his service to the community for more than two decades.

Jeff Cahoon, who keeps the town looking great for locals and visitors, helped launch Country Christmas more than a decade ago.

Festivities begin at 5:15 p.m. with Christmas carols performed by local vocalists, followed by recognition of the honored volunteers. Santa arrives aboard a fire engine just before 6, when the Julian Christmas tree is lit.

Visitors are invited to join this month-long celebration, when Julian puts on an old-fashioned holiday display.

It's easy to get into the spirit of the season in Julian, where it just feels like Christmas. December days and evenings are crisp and cool, accented by the scents of apple pies emerging from ovens and spiced cider simmering on burners.

Twinkling white lights and garland outline wooden false-fronted buildings along Main Street and up the side streets. In the spirit of the season, many shopkeepers add their own favorite Santas, sleighs and reindeer, garlands, wreaths and bows to the show. The Julian Pioneer Museum and historic Grosskopf House are all decked out in Victorian holiday finery.

The sounds of Christmas also ring through the town as costumed carolers stroll through town, providing an image of Victorian times, when Julian was a thriving Gold Rush town.

It can be a real pleasure to browse Julian shops during the holiday season. Most, including the Julian Crafters and Town Hall Crafters who set up shop in Town Hall during the season, offer one-of-a-kind hand-made items that can't be found in malls.

Friendly shopkeepers take pride in providing personal service to every visitor.

Julian's lodgings put out a special welcome during the holidays. The bed and breakfast inns are decorated in holiday finery. And most innkeepers prepare special holiday treats for their guests.

Country Christmas runs in Julian from Thanksgiving weekend through New Year's.

Country Christmas is sponsored by the Julian Merchants Association.

For information visit www.JulianMerchants.org or www.julianca.com. Phone the Julian Chamber of Commerce at 760-765-1857.