By Sandy Barnes

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Ouray is welcoming the holiday season with a lively weekend of events, shopping and winter cheer with Yule Fest beginning Friday, Dec. 9. The city will be aglow with twinkling lights, decorated windows and jolly old Saint Nick, creating a special time for all.
The weekend celebration that continues through Sunday, Dec. 11 features holiday music at three events: a wine, chocolate and cheese fest on Saturday; Gingerbread House workshops; and, great shopping opportunities at local businesses, many of which are offering holiday specials and events. Children and pets will have the opportunity to visit Santa and have their photo taken with him.  
During Yule Fest, shoppers will have a chance to win a gift certificate courtesy of the Ouray Chamber Resort Association by participating in the holiday scavenger hunt. Participating businesses will have a special ornament hidden in their shops, designated with white luminaries outside their doors. Those who turn in at least 10 “finds” by the end of the weekend are eligible to enter a... special drawing on Dec. 12. A complete list of businesses taking part in the scavenger hunt can be found on the OurayColorado.com website or by coming to the Ouray Visitors Center on Main Street.
Ouray retailers, restaurants and galleries are extending their hours from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m. throughout Yule Fest weekend, giving shoppers ample opportunities to find special presents and take part in the scavenger hunt.
Here is the full schedule of Yule Fest events:
Friday, Dec. 9:
Christmas Jazz Concert with the North Fork Flyers
7:30 p.m., Wright Opera House, Main Street, Ouray
Mike Gwinn and his group of musicians will present a benefit holiday jazz concert at the Wright Opera House. Advance tickets at $15 are available for purchase and Ouray and Ridgway shops. (See related story for details.)
Saturday, Dec. 10:
Gingerbread House Workshop
10 a.m. to noon, Ouray Community Center
This fun event offered by Weehawken Creative Arts and the Voyager Youth Program offers 25-30  families the opportunity to decorate assembled gingerbread houses. Choosing from tables of candies and goodies, families decorate their houses and then take them home to enjoy. Advance reservations are being accepted through Weehawken online at www.weehawkenarts.org or by calling 970-318-0150.
Santa Paws
1:30 - 3:30 p.m., Wright Opera House
Second Chance Humane Society is bringing Santa Paws to Ouray, offering furry and non-furry friends the chance for a keepsake photo and chat with him.
Elks Santa Visit and Dinner
5 p.m., Ouray Elks Lodge #492, 421 Main St.
The Ouray Elks have arranged for children to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at their lodge and also enjoy a chili supper. Tickets as $7 for adults, $4 for children ages five to 10. Kids under five are free. Hot dogs and chips are also available at the supper.
Ouray Art Walk
5 to 8 p.m., Main Street
Local galleries are open late with special demonstrations and studio visits.
Main Street Caroling
5 to 8 p.m.
Ouray High School students will serenade diners at local restaurants with holiday carols.
Holiday Parade
5:30 p.m., Main Street
Watch colorful floats and groups travel along Main Street to celebrate Santa and Mrs. Claus coming to town. Sponsored by the Ouray Fire Department.
Wine, Chocolate and Cheese Fest
7 to 10 p.m. Ouray Community Center
A delicious opportunity to sample small batch Colorado wines, chocolates and cheeses with a Woodland Winter Wonderland theme and costume contest. Wine will be available for purchase and a photographer will offer portraits. Celtic and chamber music provided by the Chameleon Ensemble. Tickets are $10 in advance at $15 at the door. Visit facebook.com/WineChocolateand Cheese for more information or call 970-325-4913.
Tony Rosario and The Truetones
9 p.m. O’Brien’s Pub, Main Street
Tony Rosario’s hot new band will start playing at 9 p.m. to cap off the evening with great music.
Sunday, Dec. 11:
Ouray County Chorale Christmas Concert
7 p.m., Ouray County 4-H Event Center
The annual holiday concert for the Ouray County Chorus. For more information, call Jim Pettengill at 970-626-4239.