Community Christmas tree is ready for decorations

The community is invited to come out and decorate its Christmas tree Saturday, Nov. 29 starting at 10 a.m. in the parking lot of the Pahrump Nugget Hotel and Casino. Later, at 6 p.m., everyone is invited to watch the lighting of the tree. The weather prediction calls for high of 72 and low of 45 and mostly sunny.

Karen Jackson, owner of KNYE Radio, said, “The children love to take part in decorating. The parents help them. I’ve seen kids sitting on the parents’ shoulders to put on the ornaments.” Jackson added, “We can use more ornaments. We would like large ones, preferably plastic. They can be dropped off at Best Western Pahrump Station on Friday or bring them to the decorating event on Saturday.”

At the lighting, the public will be served cookies, coffee and hot chocolate. Pahrump Valley High School students will be on hand singing Christmas carols. Santa Claus will put in an appearance to delight the children.

This tradition began four years ago through the efforts of Jackson. Each year she would order a live tree, which cost $4,000.

Jackson said, “What we ended up with was sometimes having delays in getting the tree here on time. That caused rescheduling of the decorating. When the season was over we ended up with a dead tree. This year we reached out and we were able, through the generosity of the public and local business donations, to collect $17,000 to purchase a 30-foot artificial tree. Now we will have a beautiful tree that is guaranteed to last for 30 years. We also have the option to increase the height up to 50 feet,” Jackson continued. “In the last three years we paid a total of $12,000. The purchase of the artificial tree means less strain to raise money every year and we avoid destroying one of nature’s beauties. In addition, the tree comes with lights on it and a lighted topper.”

A large group of volunteers donated time and money to bring this event to the community. People got on the phone and asked for donations from the local businesses. Jackson asked for donations on her radio station. Valley Electric transported the tree from KNYE’s offices to the Nugget and the Nugget engineers assembled it. The list of helpers is too long to list here.

Jackson said, “There will be a big sign listing all the donors and volunteers at the event.

“There’s a lot of planning and organizing to pull this event off. Sometimes you get tired and frazzled but when I see the children’s eyes light up with joy as the Christmas tree lights up I know it was worth the effort. Since the tree has been erected, I see people coming by and taking pictures every day.

Jackson added a teaser, “We’ve added a little surprise at the lighting. We invite every one to come out and help kick off the holiday season.”

To drop off ornaments, go to Best Western Pahrump Station, 1101 S. Highway 160.

Contact Creag Rowland by emailing creag.pvtimes@gmail.com.