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Annual holiday event expanded this year

Grand Canyon School music teacher George Haughton leads students in a presentation of holiday music at last year’s Holiday Open House hosted by Grand Canyon Association. This year’s event is next Monday, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Canyon View Information Plaza.

Grand Canyon School music teacher George Haughton leads students in a presentation of holiday music at last year’s Holiday Open House hosted by Grand Canyon Association. This year’s event is next Monday, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Canyon View Information Plaza.

Residents are invited to enjoy seasonal music, discount shopping, ranger activities, the first Santa sighting of the season and more next Monday at the third annual Holiday Open House hosted by Grand Canyon Association. It is from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Canyon View Information Plaza. Santa is scheduled to arrive at 7 p.m.

Private vehicles can park in the commercial bus lot that evening.

Grand Canyon Association's Books and More Store will be open for a special shopping event, with a 30 percent off on all purchases. Brad Dimock, Tom Myers, Wayne Ranney, Christa Sadler are among the 12 authors available to sign their books. Artist Bruce Aiken will also be present to sign the newly-released book about his artistic life.

Prizes will be raffled all evening with proceeds going to the Holiday Food Basket Program. The Canyon Crooners will provide a backdrop of holiday music and refreshments will be offered.

This year, the Park Service is joining GCA, opening the visitors center to host a performance by students from Grand Canyon School and a visit from Santa. They will also have interpretive stations set up for youngsters to explore the Canyon's natural and human history.

Since they started it in 2005, the vision had always been for more than just a sales event, said GCA Marketing Director Helen Thompson.

"The hope was always that it would grow into a tradition for the whole community," she said.

Ranger Libby Schaaf approached GCA in the fall to offer not only additional space to relieve the crush of kids and parents that's filled the bookstore the past two years but to provide interactive ranger programs as well.

"It was her idea," said Thompson. "We thought this was just wonderful. Now it will be a bigger thing than us, and will continue to go on after we leave the park."


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