La Grande suspends Friday parking limit

LA GRANDE — The city of La Grande says it’s suspending enforcement of its two-hour downtown parking limit on Fridays in December for local holiday shopping.

The suspension begins Friday, Nov. 29 and runs through Dec. 27, according to a press release. The city started this tradition to make it easier for people to shop for the holidays in downtown La Grande.

“This is a cooperative effort started over 10 years ago at the request of the Union County Chamber of Commerce to give people a little extra time on Fridays to shop in downtown La Grande,” the release said.

Museum talk details 1902 murder in Baker City

BAKER CITY — The next speaker series on Dec. 10 at Baker Heritage Museum will focus on the murder of Minnie Ensminger on Christmas Day, 1902.

Samuel Pleasant Armstrong was convicted of the crime and hanged on Jan. 22, 1904.

Social hour begins at 6 p.m., followed by the talk at 7 p.m. at the museum 2480 Grove St. in Baker City.

Enterprise ski swap set for Dec. 14

ENTERPRISE — The annual Wallowa County Ski Swap is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Athletic Center, 511 W. Park St. in Enterprise.

The event is designed in part as a fundraiser for the Ferguson Ridge Ski Area.

People can drop off used equipment from 8:30-10 a.m. on the morning of the ski swap. If the gear sells at the swap, half of the proceeds go to Fergi; the other half goes to the person who dropped off the equipment.

Admission to the ski swap is free.

For questions or more information, call Anette at 541-398-1148.

Ceremony Dec. 8 is for those who have lost a child

BAKER CITY — A candlelighting ceremony for those who have lost a child is planned for Sunday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. at Davis Computer Services, 1809 Main St. Those who have lost a child, sibling or grandchild are welcome.

This gathering joins a worldwide candlelighting ceremony organized by The Compassionate Friends, an international organization dedicated to supporting families who have lost a child. On the second Sunday of every December, The Compassionate Friends organizes a candlelighting to remember loved ones at 7 p.m. local time.

To learn more about The Compassionate Friends, visit www.compassionatefriends.org, call 877-969-0010 or email nationaloffice@compassionatefriends.org.

Festival of Trees and more in Baker City

BAKER CITY — Baker City Downtown’s Festival of Trees opens Thursday, Dec. 5, with a preview night at the Baker Heritage Museum, 2480 Grove St. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at bakercitydowntown.com (under “Events,” select “Twinkle in Time”), and at the door. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the evening includes hors d’oeuvres and a no-host wine and beer bar.

Saturday, Dec. 7 is the festival’s Family Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the museum. Admission is free. Visitors can see the decorated trees and participate in art activities organized by Crossroads Carnegie Art Center.

Another BCD event, the Cookie Crawl, is Saturday from 3-5 p.m. in downtown Baker City. Boxes will be sold for $10 each during the festival’s Family Day from 10 a.m. until they sell out. BCD is selling 300 boxes, one per household.

The weekend culminates Saturday at 5 p.m. with the Twilight Parade and tree lighting on Main Street organized by the Baker County Chamber of Commerce.

Wreath workshop planned in Athena Dec. 10

ATHENA — Athena will host an annual wreath-making workshop at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10 in the historic Stahl Building, 259 E. Main St.

The cost is $40 per person and includes all supplies, light refreshments and snacks. This is a fundraiser for the Athena Mainstreet Association.

Register by emailing athenamainstreet@gmail.com.