Community Christmas tree returns to Pahrump Nugget

Adorned with garland, ornaments and colorful lights, the Christmas tree is considered a true symbol of the holiday season.

As such, officials from Golden Entertainment once again set aside space adjacent to the town’s busiest intersection to display the community Christmas tree along the southwest corner of the Pahrump Nugget parking lot.

The official tree-lighting ceremony took place after dark on Saturday, Nov. 25, complete with seasonal holiday treats.

Catherine Tillett, director of marketing for Golden Gaming, said upward of 200 people attended the tradition, which began four years ago through the efforts of Karen Jackson, owner of KNYE 95.1 FM in Pahrump.

“Karen actually owns the tree and it is displayed in our parking lot for the entire community to enjoy during the Christmas season,” Tillett said. “This year marks the fourth ceremony that we have done and it seems that each year, it is fantastic and goes over really well within the community.”

Tillett also gave credit to Jackson for rounding up support in dressing up the community Christmas tree each year, where families also enjoy holiday treats and meet with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

“Karen does an excellent job of facilitating the decorating party on the Saturday before each lighting ceremony, after Thanksgiving,” she said. “The community comes out to decorate the bottom portion of the tree, but prior to that, Valley Electric crews come out and help to set it up and they decorate the top portion of the tree. It gets it all fluffed up and looking nice, and it always turns out really great. Every night throughout the holiday season the tree will be lit up. We keep it lit until after New Year’s Day.”

The Mountain Falls Golf Club is also gearing up for a holiday-themed event tonight, as the annual Festival of Trees returns to the venue beginning at 6 p.m.

The 13th annual holiday celebration serves as a fundraiser for Nathan Adelson Hospice, Southern Nevada’s largest non-profit facility.

Christmas trees, wreaths and stockings, creatively decorated by community members, will be auctioned off to raise funds for services provided in the Pahrump, Crystal and Amargosa Valley areas.

Dinner will be served during the gala event.

Mountain Falls Golf Club is located at 5001 S. Clubhouse Drive in Pahrump.

Tickets are $75 per person or $100 for two tickets.

They can be purchased by contacting Nathan Adelson Hospice’s Stephanie Forbes at 702-938-3910 or via email at sforbes@nah.org.