by Noella Noelophile®
Are you going to be in Northern California this weekend?
If so, you may get a chance to celebrate the Christmas season by going back in time–to the 1850’s, in a historic Gold Rush Town.
That would be Columbia, located about ninety minutes northeast of Stockton, in Columbia State Historic Park. As you visit Columbia, you’ll find the largest single collection of existing Gold Rush-era structures in California. You’ll also have a uniquely-Californian historic experience, as the activities of an 1850s mining town take place all around you.
And this Sunday, December 12th, Columbia hosts two special events.
At 11:00, Sunday morning, you’ll get to see the “All-Equestrian Christmas Parade”, sponsored by nonprofit Backcountry Horsemen of California.
All kinds of steeds, including mules, donkeys and miniature horses, will be decked out in festive attire as they trot down Columbia’s Main Street. Equine-drawn carriages and wagons, decorated for the season, will make their appearance. And a certain gentleman in a red suit is sure to be on hand–having left his reindeer at the North Pole in favor of a more Gold Rush-themed conveyance.
Columbia’s All-Equestrian Christmas Parade is the largest non- motorized parade in Northern California. It’s also an opportunity to give back as you celebrate the season. Please consider bringing a new, unwrapped toy for the parade’s toy drive, which benefits Amador- Tuolumne County Action Agency’s Housing Families Program.
And you’ll want to be on hand early. While the All-Equestrian Christmas Parade takes place at 11 that morning on Main Street at State juding for the entries starts at 9 am.
Once the parade’s over, don’t go away.
Not only does Columbia State Historic Park’s Facebook page show their museum’s tree decorated with Victorian Christmas ornaments, but you’ll also get to browse the local area and watch Nelson’s Columbia Candy Kitchen, hand-crafting candy canes.
Nelson’s is a fifth-generation, family run business. Every Christmas season, they give back to the community by hosting their candy-cane-making event. Participants are families who’ve sent in postcards, from which Nelson’s draws just after Labor Day–and the lucky winners get invited to be a part of that year’s event, and make their own candy treats.
Then, on Sunday evening, another special event takes place.
At 5:30 pm, the “Las Posadas Nativity Procession” begins.
Las Posadas is a Spanish tradition, re-enacting Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. Since 1983, Columbia has hosted this special event, with an 1850s Gold Rush angle.
Mary, Joseph and their donkey are accompanied by the three Wise Men, tax collector
and innkeeper, as well as miners and musicians and other costumed townspeople, in their procession down Main Street. Luminaries light their route, and spectators hold candle and join in the singing of Christmas carols.
Of course, if you’re out and about, please follow all local and/or state protocols. We all want to do our best to keep everyone healthy in these uncertain times.
Enjoy, be safe and have a great 1850s Christmas weekend!