It used to be that when you said ‘Brickelltown’ people said ‘What?’ Now, they say, ‘Tell me when, I’m coming.’
Over the last few years, a youthful group of entrepreneurs have set up shop on the far west end of downtown Truckee and imbued this section of town with life, charm, and community. The businesses loosely circle a quaint courtyard with a sizeable, prolific apple tree standing watch. Passionate about bringing the community together, the business owners often host gatherings in the courtyard and so many people come, the events spill into every shop, the streets, and the sidewalks. (Many may remember the nascent beginnings of these community events hosted by Riverside Studios, by co-owners Alanna Hughes and Kahlil Johnson, when they were still on their namesake street.)
In its second year, Brickelltown Christmas is a time when the gatherings go all out, filling the courtyard with music, campfires, a slew of artsy vendors and hot beverages to keep you warm. The event happens every Friday the month of December.
On December 5, more than 500 guests streamed into Brickelltown for the grand kick-off this year. Despite weathering the first real cold snap this winter, the event went off with a bang, hosting more than a dozen local artists, carolers, a stocking contest, massage in a chair, a warming hut, recycled-paper gift wrapping and more.
‘This is an event that the people of North Lake Tahoe look forward to on a regular basis,’ said Steph Spencer, owner of The Feather’s Edge Finery. ‘We enjoy that it brings the shop owners, artists and community together for great conversations, tastings, and the spirit of winter.’
Brickelltown Christmas will continue, on December 12 and 19, from 4 to 8 p.m. with more artists, caroling with the Truckee Community Choir, a gift drive for infants and teenagers for Truckee Community Christmas, and many more holiday surprises. Brickelltown is located at 10368 thru 10382 Donner Pass Road in Truckee, 530-582-0908.
