As the days grow shorter and darker, Main Street is all aglow in holiday lights radiating from shops, newly decorated lamp posts, and several thousand bulbs on the city’s live Christmas tree.
There are numerous opportunities to Shop Cordova First this holiday season.
CCMC Basket Auction:
The Cordova Community Medical Center is hosting a basket auction, proceeds will go toward the long-term care vehicle fund. Bidding will end on Dec. 21. The medical center is also encouraging donated baskets to the auction.
Girl Scouts Holiday Wreaths:
Cordova Girl Scouts are selling holiday wreaths for $35 to help fund their trip to Peru next year. To order a wreath, call Paoola Vargas at 907-429-5965.
Saturday Market:
Still in search for the perfect holiday gift? Stop by the Dec. 15 Cordova Saturday Market at the Masonic Lodge. The market will feature extended hours from noon to 6 p.m., with gifts and stocking stuffers made by local artisans and businesses available for purchase.
Activities in the Cordova Center:
The holiday season can be an expensive time of year. For those looking to volunteer or attend free holiday functions, consider spending time in the Cordova Center.
- On Friday, Dec. 14, stop by North Star Theatre from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to watch Alaska episodes of “Kitchen Unnecessary” featuring Nelly and Michael Hand of Drifters Fish on a quest for Coho Salmon. Raven Madison, lifetime Cordovan and herbalist, is also featured foraging and hunting.
- The Cordova Museum’s annual Holiday Art Show is now open at the Copper River Gallery. The show features a variety of artwork made by local artists. From watercolors, sculptures and drawings to photography, this show has something for everyone and truly embodies life in Cordova, rural Alaska and Prince William Sound. Net proceeds of Sylvia Lange’s painting of St. George’s Episcopal Church will go towards the church’s new roof fund. Stop by the art show to escape from the weather or purchase local artwork for the perfect Cordova-themed gift.
Volunteer activities:
- Take part in Cordova’s 47th annual Christmas Bird Count on Saturday, Dec. 15. Meet in the education room at the Cordova Center at 8 a.m. to get route assignments. The event is family-friendly and beginner birders are welcome! There will be a potluck at 6 p.m. to compile results. If you have a feeder and want to record birds during count day, or for more information, call Milo Burcham at 907-429-5878.
- Donate dry/canned goods for families in need to the Native Village of Eyak, 110 Nicholoff Way, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. or 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. NVE administers food distribution on behalf of the Food Bank of Alaska. For more information on the program, contact Rebecca Calfina at NVE’s office at 907-424-7738.
Moonlight Madness:
Businesses throughout Cordova are staying open late, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., on Friday nights leading up to Christmas, offering sales, specials, activities and treats. There are still two more Moonlight Madness nights left, on Dec. 14 and 21.
Sixty local businesses and artisans are also participating in the first-ever Shop Cordova First Passports. Remember to get your passport stamped! For every $20 worth of local spending recorded in a passport, shoppers are entered to win prizes. Passports are due to the Chamber of Commerce by Jan. 1.
Here are a list of holiday specials, sales and treats being offered by businesses participating in Moonlight Madness:
Ace Hardware
- Sales on Christmas lights throughout the month.
- During Moonlight Madness weekends look for 50 percent off various Christmas decorations including garlands, wreaths and projector lights Dec. 14, 15,16, and Dec. 21, 22, and 23.
Camtu Center
- Sales all month long on items upstairs, including bags, hair accessories and more.
Copper River/Prince William Sound Marketing Association
- Hot cider and treats will be offered during Moonlight Madness hours on Dec. 14, but CRPWSMA will not be participating in the Dec. 21 Moonlight Madness extended hours.
- Every purchase at the marketing association will get you entered into a drawing for a gift package. Two winners from the drawing will be announced on Monday, Dec. 17.
Cordova District Fishermen United
- CDFU will be offering extended Moonlight Madness hours on Dec. 14, selling CDFU sweatshirts and T-shirts. They will not be participating in the Dec. 21 Moonlight Madness extended hours.
Copper River Fleece
- Surprise savings will be offered during Moonlight Madness Fridays of Dec. 14 and 21. Stop by, pop a balloon, then learn at the checkout about the surprise discount inside each balloon, ranging 10-20 percent off the entire purchase.
- Enter your name daily each week up until Friday night’s gift card drawing on Dec. 14 and 21.
- Copper River Fleece’s Twelve Days of Christmas (in store only) will begin Dec. 14 and go until Dec. 24, with daily savings and giveaways. Stop by the store to get the complete list.
- They will be open on Christmas Eve from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cordova Gear
- To avoid large crowds in their small storefront, Cordova Gear will hold their Moonlight Madness deals all week long and will be open late on Dec. 14 and 21.
- Be alert for a pop-up surprise on Dec. 24!
- Join the Cordova Gear email list to receive information on weekly specials. To sign up, visit cordovagear.com and click on the specials and events tab.
Cordova Museum Gift Shop
- Tea and treats will be offered during Moonlight Madness hours, with the gift shop remaining open until 8 p.m.
- On Dec. 14 books are 15 percent off.
- On Dec. 21 jewelry is 15 percent off.
- Shop from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Ilanka Cultural Center
- During the month of December, every $50 spent gets you entered into a drawing of $100 cash. The drawing will take place on Jan. 2.
- The cultural center will be open until 8 p.m. during Moonlight Madness.
Nichols Front Door Store
- A variety of 10-30 percent off top shelf items will be offered as part of this shop’s Moonlight Madness sales.
Seaman’s Hardware
- Pick a bell and win a prize from their Christmas tree.
- Also, special sales throughout the store.
Steen’s Gifts (Serendipitea)
- Beginning Dec. 12 there will be 12 days before Christmas where something different will be on sale each day, all items remaining on sale until Christmas.
- There will also be complimentary tea and treats, open until 9 p.m. during Moonlight Madness.
- Stay alert for daily drawings for a goody bag.
Sue’s Knives & More
- Offering percentages off on different items each day.
- Unique holiday items, including stocking stuffers, will be available for purchase.
Visit the Chamber website at cordovachamber.com/holiday-kickoff to view a complete list of all businesses who are offering extended Moonlight Madness hours.
