84. MCCALL WINTER CARNIVAL, McCall, ID

Snow Sculptures, parades, concerts, hockey, yummy pizza, Payette Lake frozen are just a few of the exciting this you can see during this week long celebration.

The scenic drive up on Highway 55 could fill the winter issue of National Geographic with shots of crisp fields of snow, quaint red barns, the majestic bald eagle and the Payette River. It doesn't stop there, McCall is a winter wonderland blanketed in snow, charm and decked out for this annual event.

This year the McCall Winter Carnival runs from January 28 to February 6th. 

The 46th year of festivities is celebrating "100 years of McCall"

Visit  www.mccallwintercarnival.com for the event schedule and snow sculpture map. 

 

78. O'FARRELL CABIN Boise, ID

The O'Farrell Cabin is located  at 450 W. Fort Street. The cabin is the oldest family home in the city and retains 85% its original construction. The O'Farrell family donated some land for the first Catholic Church in Boise. John A. O'Farrell was born in Ireland in 1823. His wife Mary Ann responsible for the first Catholic services in the valley. Services were held in the cabin for four years. (Information Courtesy of City of Boise.)

76. CANDLELIGHT TOUR OF HISTORIC HOUSES OF WORSHIP, Boise, ID

On Sunday December 26th the Historic churches of Downtown Boise opened their doors to the public. Each church provided guides and information about their church. It was a self-guided tour to look at the Christmas decorations, view the different architectural styles and hear special music.

Inside St. John's on the corner of 8th & Hays

Construction of the St. John's Cathedral began in 1906

Boise First United Methodist Church

First Baptist Church

The St. Michael's congregation was organized in 1864.





Christmas decorations inside St. Michael's

It was interesting to learn about some of early history of the churches in Boise. The stained glassed windows are beautifully detailed. 

75. EGYPTIAN THEATER, Boise, ID

Photo courtesy of boisetheatre. netfirms

 Since 1927 this has been a place for shows in Boise. Located in 700 W Main St. in downtown Boise. The theater stands as a local landmark of the early days of theater. The building was modeled after King Tut's Tomb. The name of theatre has changed a few times from the Fox, to the Ada and back to the Egyptian.  If the walls could talk just imagine what stories we would hear.

During the Christmas season they play the movie, It's a Wonderful Life starring Jimmy Stewart.  The cost is one can of food or a bag of animal food. These donations are given to the Idaho Food Bank. The showing is over for this year but you can always put on your list for next year.

While I watching the movie on the big screen it made me reflect on how each of us can make a difference. It is the litte things that we do that make the greatest difference.

Merry Christmas!



    

74. MERIDIAN FARMERS MARKET HOLIDAY BAZAAR Meridian, Idaho

 The Meridian Farmers Market is a great place to find a gift for friends and family or something fun for you. Today was the last day for the holiday bazaar but here are some of the local vendors.

 This is Susannah of Xuxa Jewelry who makes her own jewelry

 and you can find her on

Facebook, Etsy or email xuxajewelry@gmail.com .

 Zoie Fresh is homemade soap made with natural products.

 They have many  lovely scented soaps  from lavender to citrus. 

 These beautiful and tasty cookies were made by Becky Hays. She makes cookies for your special occasions.  You can contact her at abkhays@gmail.com or take a look at her blog http://www.beckybakesboise.blogspot.com/



73. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, All, ID

If you are out exploring Christmas lights head over to these neighborhoods for a spectacular light display set to the holiday music.

It fun, free and you don't even have to leave the warmth of your car.

The Hickories Subdivision off Five Mile is a great neighborhood filled with lots of great lights.

 Check out www.mccoychristmas.com for a specific address and details.

Check out the neighborhood above Simplots Hill, off Bogas Basin Rd. At 4403 N. Keldoon. The arch ways at this house are incredible.

  

Where do you go look at Christmas lights? Any great neighborhoods?

Is your house great? Leave your comments below. 

68. BOISE TUBA CHRISTMAS, Boise, ID

I know another event to put on you holiday calendar for next year. Think of this as your holiday resource guide for next year.

A 60+ tube and baritone band of local musician from high school and BSU band members, band directors and community members.  The half an hour performance included classic Christmas Carols-Deck the Halls, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, Silver Bells, and Silent Night.

Yesterdays performances were held at 3:30pm in the Grove, and 4:30pm at the State Capital Rotunda.

Check out downtownboise.org in November for next years performance schedule. You can listen here for a sneak peek.

67. LIVE NATIVITY, Eagle, ID

I am all about traditions. Seriously, I love them.

As a kid I loved them and as an adult some of my best memories include them.

This event is sure to become a life long tradition.

Always on the first weekend in December, Friday and Saturday night the Eagle Seventh Day Adventist Church hosts a Live Nativity. The Nativity features a life size journey through Bethlehem to visit the Christ child. This is a great interactive activity for kids to help them remember the reason for the season and a little about the life of Jesus. They have animals including the camel that you can feed, sing along Christmas carols and crafts for the kids.

Check out part of our journey. Next year you should go. And it's free.

ENJOY LIFE!!!

Rebecca

61. BOISE HOLIDAY PARADE, Boise, ID

For many of the Treasure Hunters this was a first time experience but a tradition that is sure to be repeated. Held annually the Saturday after Thanksgiving, it runs a route downtown. This year the route went along 11th & Jefferson to 4th Street & Idaho Street.

We located ourselves along the parade route across from the Capital building. Not only did we get a great view but had somewhere to warm up afterwards. It was perfect. The Holiday Tree was lit, the Capital was decorated festively; winter wonderland at its best.

It was a little chilly at the parade but the snow made it all the more magical.

The festivities started at 10 and lasted a  little over an hour.

The parade floats included many local clubs, the Humane Society, The Shriner's, The Treasure Valley Roller Girls, the Boy Scouts of America, some Jr. High bands, Zamzows, Vintage Cars, Miss Idaho, Rodeo Queens, and much more.

60. OLD BOISE N SCALE-MODEL RAILROADERS, Boise, ID

Strolling in downtown, make sure to include this on your list of stops. Located in the Pioneer Tent Building this model railroad exhibit is complete with a town, villages and trains. You might even see the worlds smallest KTVB flat Larry.

This is a perfect activity for children. I asked a few kids what they thought, and got some friendly responses. One little boy just said. "Look a train."

Santa will also be available for pictures.

It is free but donations are accepted.

Since you will already be in the building get a little nosey. This Building has become one of our favorites in Boise it has many great historical treasures to uncover. (Find the peacock)