KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Kick off the holiday season with the 27th annual Kelseyville Christmas in the Country, merchant open house and parade of lights on Friday, Dec. 1.

The event, sponsored by the Kelseyville Business Association, will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Main Street in downtown.

Enjoy an evening of holiday decorations and Christmas music, where the scents of the season mingle in the crisp air as you enjoy a free horse-drawn carriage ride by Live Oak Belgians in the relaxed country atmosphere. Greet old friends and meet some new ones.

At 5:30 p.m. the Main Street merchants will welcome you into their stores to enjoy holiday treats – including hot cider and cocoa – as you stroll through town with Christmas music filling the air and smiling happy faces everywhere.

Kelseyville Presbyterian Church will offer for a small fee a chili and chowder dinner, St. Peter’s Catholic Church will have hot dogs and beans, holiday treats and tamales, Kelseyville United Methodist Church will have cocoa, cookies and children singing Christmas music. The Saw Shop Gallery Bistro will have a miniature quilt display.

The 6:30 p.m. the county’s oldest light parade will begin, with Santa leading the procession through town.

Follow the last parade entry, “The Bubble Machine," to the Kelseyville Fire House where Santa will light the town tree.

Then Santa will go across the street to Westamerica Bank so the children can whisper that special wish in Santa's ear then have a photo taken by Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.

While you're waiting for Santa in the bank enjoy the holiday music by the Bridge Band and see some other paintings and prints by Carolyn Morris who has generously allowed use of her paintings for the event.

This is an evening for all to enjoy. After the parade go back through town where the merchants are still open until 8:30 p.m.

Even if the weather is less than perfect, bring an umbrella, a warm winter scarf and mittens and your will surely have a warm heart and hopefully a smile on your face and the excitement of the coming of Christmas Day.

There is still time to participate in the parade. Contact Mary Morse for more information at 707-279-8559.