Lake of the Pines goes all out for Christmas

I'm no techno-geek, but even I picked up a couple of 2GB flash drives to stuff in the kids' Christmas stockings this year. Electronic gifts are high on wish lists, and requests include portable media players, wireless game controllers, GPS receivers, Nintendo Wiis, Bluetooth headsets, iPods and digital cameras.

Technology seems to be advancing faster than Santa's reindeer in a hurricane. Keeping up with changing media seems easy for my children, but for me, it's difficult. Honestly, I don't know the difference between a DAB and a media-streaming device.

Thank goodness my 4-year-old niece asked for a Barbie this year, and it doesn't need batteries! Forbes.com has cited Barbie as the most requested gift among girls for the fifth year in a row. Barbies have not changed significantly since their appearance in 1959. And, although there has been some debate about the issue, at least to me, Barbies are real and present no technological challenge.

Another real holiday tradition is the Christmas in the Pines celebration at the Lake Center near Lake of the Pines. This event takes place on Saturday from 11 a.m. until dark. Santa Claus will arrive at 11:30 a.m., so don't be late!

This is an LOP community event that includes music presented by the Magnolia School choir and band and a holiday window-decorating competition courtesy of the Bear River High School Animation Club. A $100 prize, sponsored by the South Nevada County Chamber of Commerce, will be awarded to the best window, so don't forget to vote!

According to event co-coordinator Brian Lowenthal, there will be more than 20 vendors with food, crafts, ornaments and handmade gifts. Free photos with Santa will be available at PointClickPrint. Face painting will be done by the Bear River High School Leo Club. A jump house and petting zoo are both sponsored by NexCollect Recycling, and free pony rides are sponsored by The Union newspaper.

LOP resident and Bear River High School football coach Dean Sweeney and his wife Kim will be on hand to dispense steaming hot weenies from Sweenie's Weenies hot dog cart, so bring your appetite.

Here comes the real Christmas meaning to this event - canned goods and donations are being collected at Stinky Mulligan's for the Nevada County Food Bank. Also, there will be a raffle held to benefit more of the South Nevada County Chamber's favorite local charities. If you need more information, contact the chamber at 268-7622.

Another LOP event this Saturday and Sunday is Shawn and Kristine's 4th Annual Christmas Sale at the Lake of the Pines Golf Shop. The doors open at 7 a.m., and everything in the shop will be discounted 10 percent to 40 percent, with the exception of balls and clubs.

Everyone is invited to this gala event that will feature complimentary champagne, hors d'oeuvres, cookies and free gift wrapping. This is the perfect opportunity to cross a golf enthusiast off of your Christmas gift list.

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Laura Lavelle's column is for Lake of the Pines-area residents to share thoughts and information. Contact her at lavelle@cebridge.net or leave a message with the City Editor at 477-4230.