Gresham, Sandy, Estacada choirs to sing at shrine
Several choirs from East County will perform at the Grottos 25th annual Christmas Festival of Lights, which runs from 5-9:30 p.m. daily Friday, Nov. 23, through Sunday, Dec. 30.
The Catholic shrine, at 8840 N.E. Skidmore St., Portland, will be closed Christmas Day, Dec. 25.
General admission is $9, $8 for seniors, $4 for children 3-12 and free for children 2 and younger. Folks are asked to bring nonperishable food items for SnowCap Community Charities.
This years theme is Angels on High, and the festival offers music, carolers, a petting zoo, puppet shows and seasonal treats.
This event displays more than 500,000 lights and draws more than 60,000 visitors every year. It is believed to be the worlds largest Christmas choral festival featuring 179 concerts presented by more than 6,000 volunteer performers.
The following East County choirs are performing:
n Saturday, Dec. 8: 8 p.m., Sandy High School Symphonic & Pionaires Choirs.
n Sunday, Dec. 9: 5:15 p.m., Centennial Middle School Middle Cs.
n Monday, Dec. 10: 8 p.m., Barlow High School Choir.
n Tuesday, Dec. 11: 5:15 p.m., Corbett Middle School Cardinal Choir.
n Thursday, Dec. 13: 6 p.m., Estacada High School Choir & Brass Ensemble.
n Thursday, Dec. 20: 7 p.m., Centennial High School A Capella Choir; 8 p.m., Gresham High School Choir.
Volunteers are still needed for two shifts nightly, the first from 4:45-7:30 p.m. and the second from 7:15-10 p.m. Volunteers greet visitors, help in the retail shops, the food booth and the petting zoo or assist in the hospitality kitchen. Most positions are outdoors where volunteers can enjoy the decorations, hear the music and interact with guests, but some indoor positions are available.
For more information about volunteering, call Tim Larson at 503-261-2433 or email volunteer@thegrotto.org.
The Grotto offers a discount to groups of 15 or more people arriving in the same van or bus during the first three weeks. The group discount is $1 off admission. The driver and group leader receive complimentary admission. To qualify, you must call 503-254-7371 to arrange your group visit.
For more information, visit thegrotto.org.