RIDGEFIELD, Wash. (November 1, 2023) — The holiday season is a time of togetherness, generosity and the spirit of giving back, and ilani will host a lineup of festive events designed to spread joy and support in the local community. From a magnificent Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration to a heartwarming fashion show, these events exemplify the spirit of the season and the shared commitment to making a positive impact in the region.
“As we embrace the holiday season, let’s remember the true spirit of giving. Just as our ancestors shared their blessings with one another, let us come together to share with those in need,” said Patty Kinswa-Gaiser, chairwoman of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. “The path toward hope and compassion is best when we walk together.”
Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration
Holiday seasonal celebrations will kick off at ilani with a tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 10. The ceremony will feature carolers from the LaCenter School District and a life-sized gingerbread tree, reaching over 10 feet tall, constructed in coordination with Clark College culinary and STEM students.
To further enhance the festive atmosphere, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office will attend in support of Santa’s Posse. Clark-Cowlitz Fire & Rescue will feature a 1928 Peter Pirsch Fire Engine from Woodland, Wash., which will be available for photos, and will receive a tribal blessing for the first of two ambulances donated to the department by the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. To learn more about the work of Santa’s Posse, please visit its website.
Collections for Walk and Knock
In the spirit of the season, the Cowlitz Indian Tribe urges the community to join it in support of Walk and Knock, a local food drive supporting the Clark County Food Bank. Barrels to collect food and supplies will be available at ilani beginning at the tree lighting ceremony through Dec. 2. A bag of food and supplies donated at ilani’s Momentum booth will be reimbursed with $10 in Promo Play. Monetary donations can be made at Walk and Knock’s website.
Free Holiday Crafts and Ale Festival
Continuing through the weekend, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 10 –11, in the Cowlitz Ballroom, the creativity of local makers will be featured at the ilani Holiday Crafts and Ale Festival, presented in association with Pop-Local Vancouver and the Vancouver Night Market. A cultural cornerstone of the community, the six-year-old market will allow guests to sip, savor and shop the creativity of more than 100 local vendors. The event will feature apparel, intricately designed jewelry, elegant cutting boards and more from local artisans alongside holiday-inspired ales, spirits, wines and cocktails from some of the best breweries, wineries and distillers in the Pacific Northwest. Admission to the ilani Holiday Crafts and Ale Festival is FREE, and Ale Fest passes can be purchased at ilaniresort.com.
- Friday, Nov. 10, 6 -10 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 11, Noon – 4 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 11, 5 – 9 p.m. (21 and older only.)
Scott Campbell Christmas Promise Bike Build
A holiday craft festival wouldn’t be complete without gift wrapping! Waste Connections of Washington is gift wrapping purchased items in exchange for donations in support of the Scott Campbell Christmas Promise Bike Build, supplying bicycles every holiday season for children in need. In addition to having their gifts wrapped, those who donate to the organization will have the chance to win multiple prizes, including ilani gift cards, TerraFlame S’mores kits or a grand prize of two Cowlitz Ballroom concert tickets and a one-night stay in an ilani Suite.
Human Society of Southwest Washington Fashion Show
The ilani Holiday Crafts and Ale Festival will host the Humane Society of Southwest Washington fashion show in support of ReTails, the Society’s thrift store. The event will take place on the Cowlitz Ballroom main stage Friday at 8 p.m. and again Saturday at 2 p.m. Attendees are welcome to donate items for ReTails or visit the HSSW Booth, donate $20 or more and receive a photo with Santa and $20 in Promo Play.