Congratulations to the winners of the Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce “Light Up Alpine” and Christmas Parade of Lights contests.
For the first time two businesses were named Christmas lighting decorating winners — Alpine Country Feed & Supply at 2101 Alpine Blvd. and the Alpine Ride Shop with Café 99 at 2218 Alpine Blvd.
Their names will be placed on the Chamber’s perpetual Christmas lighting plaque. Both winners earned two tickets each from the Sycuan Golf Resort for lunch or dinner and a round of golf for two with a golf cart!
“We do the decorating because we love to do it for the community,” said Tammy Rogers, Alpine Country Feed & Supply owner. “And just to have people come in and tell us how they like the store. We did it last year and won second place.”
Alpine Ride Shop owner Tony Baker had a different perspective.
“My favorite movie is National Lampoon’s ‘Christmas Vacation’ and Clark Griswold is my idol, and I just want to emulate him in my decorating skills,” Baker said.
Jim’s Shamrock Towing in Descanso won first place blue ribbons for two of the three Dec.7 Parade of Lights categories — overall appearance and construction quality. The float’s helicopter featured a trio of penguins.
“First time I’ve been in the parade,” owner Jim Crudgington said. “Alpine is 85 percent of my business and I thought it would be something fun to do with my daughter.”
Shadow Mountain Community Church at 3520 Alpine Blvd. won first place for originality. The theme of the float carrying holiday wrapped boxes of hope, peace and goodwill was. “Let the Word unwrap the meaning of Christmas.”
“I’m going to share that news about first place with the kids,” church Pastor David Thompson said. “They’ll be ecstatic. We just absolutely had a blast. We’ve had a booth at the Snow Festival but this is our first parade entry.”
Shadow Mountain also earned two red second place ribbons for overall appearance and construction quality.
The Miss California CYE (Council for Youth Empowerment) entry won second place for originality and a white third place ribbon for overall appearance.
Alpine’s Bethel Assembly of God Church at 1929 Arnold Way earned Third Place for construction quality. The Third Place winner for originality was won by For the LOVE Gift Boutique at 2530 Alpine Blvd.!
- ••
Some children apparently learn early to trust but verify, even at Christmas.
During Alpine’s Snow Festival on Dec. 7 a boy visited Mrs. Santa Claus, who was handing out free cookies at the Alpine Community Center booth.
“Oh, if you’re Mrs. Claus what is my name?” the child asked. “If you’re Mrs. Claus, you should know my name.”
Mrs. Claus paused for a moment because this was a first for her.
“I’ll have to ask my husband,” she replied.
- ••
Start 2019 with a bang — find out what new plans the Alpine Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce has for next year!
Make a reservation now for the Chamber’s monthly membership “Hot Topics Breakfast” at 7:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 8. The location will be announced later.
The $20 cost includes breakfast, networking, self-introductions and opportunity drawings. Call (619) 445-2722 or visit www. alpinechamber.com to RSVP or get details!
