Holly Days Celebration was a great success! Friday the 27th of November marked another day of local celebration as thousands of community members gathered downtown to enjoy this years Holly Days. Our thanks to all who worked so hard to bring this event to a successful completion. Holly Days featured new performers that amazed and entertained the crowds. The magicians and hypnotists were very entertaining and well received by the enthusiastic crowds. In addition to the traditional carriage rides (which have been crowd favorites) a new twist was introduced and camel rides were available. Everyone seemed to enjoy the camel rides as lines for the ride continued even into the dark of night. The Anadarko Funhouse was a huge success and some expanded attractions were available this year such as a mechanical bull and stage performances in the Western Park arena with the funhouses. The variety show was well attended with over 400 spectators enjoying the performances of local artists and the UHS Jazz Band. The Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored the Parade of Lights which was very well attended and was beautiful as well. This year the Francisco Family won the $300 first place prize for the top float, followed by Ashley Valley Prudential Real Estate winning $200 for second place and Curves winning $100 for third place. The excitement continued into the night with the fire dancers and train rides until the event culminated with a magnificent fireworks display. The finale was as good of a finale as I have ever seen for this event. From a Chamber's perspective, it was fun to be involved providing the events as well as fun to participate in the over 45 events. Once again, thanks to everyone who helped make this Holly Days a success!

The Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce is in the midst of the Chamber's Tukey Days Celebration.  There are over 45 member retail outlets that are distributing tickets to shoppers for their chance to enter to win a free turkey. 

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The Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce's Trees for Charity Committee enjoyed another successful event this year. The event raised over $75,000 in donations for Charitable purposes. A new innovation this year gave those attending the Tree View event the ability to donate money to the identified charities without purchasing the tree or silent auction items being viewed. The donations were considered "Tree Toppers" and added a significant amount to the bottom line for the charities. It was a wonderful event and more details will be forthcoming as the committee wraps up this year's event and submits additional details. Winner of the Children's Choice Award was "Racing for Miracles" sponsored by the Miss Uintah County Scholarship Pageant. The tree was beautifully decorated with "Hot Wheels" cars and accessorized with a wheel or two and seatbelts for garland. Any proceeds left after expenses are donated by the Trees for Charity Committee to a local charity of choice to complete the giving experience.

This year's Holly Days Parade had a variety of entries ranging from the "Ghostbusters" vehicle with green lazer lights to Santa Clause being escorted by several Harley Davidson Motorcycles.  The floats were beautifully decorated and even Dinah joined in the fun and waived to enthusiastic parade watchers as she drove by.  The Chamber sponsored the Parade of Lights this year (with over 20 entries) and gave out prizes for the top three floats in the parade.  Vernal City Council Person Sonya Norton, Chamber Executive Director Michael Kitzmiller, and students from the Uintah High School Honors Society performed the judging for the event.  Winner of the coveted trophy and $300 was Tina Francisco and her family for their entry into the parade.  The photo at the beginning of the Holly Days article is a picture of their float.  Ashley Valley Prudential Realty came in second place and collected $200.  Curves came in third place and collected $100.  Additional pictures of the parade and other Holly Days events will be available on the Chamber website in the near future.   

The Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a contest to develop a new tag line for the Chamber. Currently the tag line is "Good for Business, Good for the Community". We want to get as many different ideas as possible from all of you about a tag line for the Chamber. The winner of the contest will receive $50.  If you like the current tag line and think that we should keep it, let us know that as well.  The tag line contest will end on the 28th of December and all submissions will need to be made before that date.  Just send your ideas to vchambermgr@easilink.com. Join in the fun and win some cash!

  The Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce announces a focus on member benefits. The Chamber Board, in conjunction with the Chamber Staff are focusing on promoting business and increasing benefits for its members. The Chamber of Commerce is an Association of Businesses that work together to promote business and the welfare of the communities that we live in.

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