(Editor’s Note: In the localvore and holiday spirit, we have put together a section featuring local businesses and organizations, see pages 24 to 29.)
Did you know that shopping at big chains instead of independent retailers siphons money out of the community and back to big chain corporate headquarters or to their distant suppliers? Local stores recycle a larger portion of their sales revenues back into the local economy via payrolls, charitable giving, profits, and procurement of goods and services via local merchants and professional service providers. One study found that spending $100 at a corporate chain generated only $43 worth of local impact while spending that amount locally generated $68 in additional local economic activity.
Sierra Business Council is busy fleshing out their pilot Think Local First Program, with the first iteration is here in Truckee/North. The program is being designed to contribute to the sustainability of a region by honoring the special contributions made by local people. In progress towards this goal, Local First promotes local organizations, cultivates local flavor, and encourages discourse on local issues.
In the same vein, Tahoe City Downtown Association has launched a program to promote local businesses and people during this holiday season. They are sponsoring a Shop Local Week and have partnered with North Tahoe Business Association for a Shop Local Contest.
On top of these local campaigns, there are many Holiday events happening in the region. Mark your calendars and come celebrate your community!
Truckee
Sustainability Film Series
Wed., Dec. 3, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The kick-off event showcases several featured films from the 2006 Bioneers Conference: Tom Linzey’s ‘Turning Defense to Offense: Challenging Corporations And Creating Self-Governance’ and Michael Pollan’s ‘Beyond The Bar Code: The Local Food Revolution.’
A panel discussion follows, developed by Sierra College’s Institute for Sustainability–Truckee, in partnership with Sierra Business Council’s Think Local First Annual Event. Members of the panel will speak on ‘Taking Local Back: Self-Governance and Self-Reliance’ and include Frank DeCourten of Sierra College, Steve Frisch of Sierra Business Council, and Truckee/North Tahoe Think Local First program coordinator Betony Jones.
A reception following includes a raffle, tours of the Sierra College Tahoe-Truckee campus, displays, and light food and beverage. At the new Sierra College Tahoe-Truckee Campus. Info: 530-582-4800 ext. 12
Truckee/North Tahoe Local First Brunch
Sun., Dec. 7, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m
Join Truckee/North Tahoe Local First at Sawtooth Ridge Cafe for a fantastic brunch featuring specials sourced from local farms and ranches within a 100-mile radius of the area. Sawtooth Ridge Café, 530-583-2880.
Slow Food’s Dine-Around
Thurs., Dec. 4, from 6 to 9 p.m., in Truckee featuring Dragonfly, Pianeta, Pacific Crest, Moody’s Bistro and The Pour House.
Brickelltown Christmas
Fridays, Dec. 5, 12,19, and 26, from 4 to 8 p.m
Christmas spirit in downtown Truckee. On Dec 5, Theme is ‘Red’ – Bring a stocking you created for a chance to win great gifts from Brickelltown merchants. One-of-a-kind gifts, snacks and refreshments, carolers and local art, 530-582-0908, 530-587-3789.9.
Christmas at the Cabin
Sat. Dec. 6, from 5 to 8 pm.
The Truckee Donner Historical Society presents Christmas at the Cabin, to be held in its Gateway Research Cabin, 10115 Donner Trail Road, Truckee, truckeehistory.org
Tahoe City
For info on the Tahoe City Downtown events, visittahoecity.com or 530-583-3348.
Shop Local Week
Dec. 1 to 7
Get out during Shop Local Week and take advantage of deals and specials at local participating retailers. Tahoe City Downtown Association (TCDA) and North Tahoe Business Association (NTBA) host this week-long event. Go to visittahoecity.com in mid-November for a full list of participants.
Shop Local Contest
Dec. 1 to 21
Pick up a card then shop away to get stamps on it. Turn in the card by Dec. 21 and get entered to win great prizes from North Lake Tahoe merchants. Pick up your contest card at participating retailers. Also hosted by: TCDA – visittahoecity.com, 530-583-3348 and NTBA – ntbamainstreet.org, 530-546-9000.
Town Tree Lighting
Fri. Dec. 5, from 4 to 6 p.m.
Tree lighting at 5 p.m., bonfire, music and refreshments, at Heritage Plaza, Downtown Tahoe City.
Boatworks Mall Soiree
Sat. Dec. 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. Discount shopping, wine, and live music with The After Eights, at 760 North Lake Blvd. 530-581-4236.
Family Winter Wonderland
Sat. Dec. 6, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Family photos in vintage winter sleigh with Lake Tahoe backdrop, winter treats, Santa Claus, at Heritage Plaza, Downtown Tahoe City, 530-583-3348.
Kings Beach
Holiday Fair & Tree Lighting
Fri. Dec. 5, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Get a jump-start on your holiday shopping and celebrate the season. Over 20 business booths with decorations and gifts, Tree Lighting at 6 p.m., at Kings Beach Conference Center. Sponsored by the North Tahoe Business Association, The Boys and Girls Club of North Lake Tahoe, and the North Tahoe PUD. ntbamainstreet.org, 530-546-9000.
Incline Village
Holiday Gathering Featuring Tree Lighting
Fri. Dec. 5, at 4 p.m.
Sierra Nevada College (SNC) celebrates, Incline-style. Tree Lighting, family-friendly festivities in the Patterson Hall/patio area and will feature Incline Village’s very own Santa for an hour starting 4:30 p.m., handcrafted ornaments made by SNC’s international students featuring flags from their countries of origin, refreshments and, at 5:30pm, lighting of the tree! Free and open to the public. 775-881-7420, dnoonan@sierranevada.edu.
