The holidays are special times anywhere a person goes, but in Castle Country they are particularly bright as Helper, a small town at the mouth of Price Canyon, begins the holiday lighting up their Main Street as the start of a two-week extravaganza.
Officially known and recognized by the state as “Christmas Town”, Helper begins its holiday season with the lighting event on Black Friday November 23 at 6 p.m.. The lights hung across the town on many historical buildings is magical. The event starts at the Rio Theater on Main Street as the crowd moves north toward City Hall.
The celebration goes on through the week after that with a Luminary Memorial Ceremony on Wednesday, November 28.
Then on Friday, December 7 and December 8 the fun really takes off as a chili dinner takes place from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Helper Civic Auditorium. This feast takes place each evening just before the Helper Electric Light Parade. The parade was the first of its kind in Utah, starting 29 years ago, and it takes place on Main Street. Each year the parade grows larger and more impressive.
And don’t forget that the public can have breakfast with Santa at the Civic Auditorium the morning of Saturday, December 8 from 8 to 11 a.m. as well.
To cap off the parade on Saturday night, fireworks will be launched from the ballpark east of town and the show is spectacular as the lights and the pyrotechnics mix together to make a magical spectacle.
It’s all to say Merry Christmas to all who live and visit Castle Country during the holidays.