STORY AND PHOTOS BY KAREN BOSSICK
“Twas the night before Christmas and in the valley of Sun, guests in the village were having loads of holiday fun…”
So starts a poem written by a 13-year-old superfan of Sun Valley Resort and its holiday traditions.
“The sound of the carolers rang through the air, while the ‘Night Before Christmas’ was read with much flair,” the young poet continues. “On the Lodge Terrace, free cookies and cocoa were served, while down Dollar Mountain the torchlight parade curved.
“Overhead fireworks exploded with light, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!”
The poem was written in light of the fact that Sun Valley’s Christmas Eve will look a little different this year, said Jenna Vagias, resort spokesperson. Sun Valley’s indoor and outdoor rinks have been sidelined as they await the installation of about 10 miles of pipe so there will be no Christmas Eve Ice Show this year.
In its place, local thespian and musician Andrew Alburger will perform a live reading of Clement Moore’s 1823 poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas” at the outdoor ice rink. And the Sun Valley Carolers from Salt Lake City will intersperse Christmas songs between the lines.
There’ll be complimentary cookies and cocoa served up on the Lodge Terrace. And, as the performance at the ice rink draws to a close, ski instructors will perform their serpentine torchlight parade down Dollar Mountain while fireworks explode overhead.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Santa is presiding over brunch at the Sun Valley Clubhouse on Friday, Dec. 23, and Saturday, Dec. 24. There’ll be kid-friendly dishes sprinkled among traditional favorites, along with festival holiday music. Cost is $79 for adults and $39 for kids; call 208-622-2919 for reservations.
- The Community Library will present a free Children’s Holiday Storytelling from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. today—Wednesday, Dec. 21--in the Sun Room of the Sun Valley Lodge. All children will receive holiday treat bags.
- And “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” is playing at 4:30 p.m. daily at the Opera House through Dec. 29. Tickets are $10 for kids and $12 for adults.
WISH SUN VALLEY RESORT HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
The first 86 people to tell a Guest Service member “Happy 86th Birthday, Sun Valley” today—Dec. 21--will be given a fun Sun Valley goggle cove.