RUMFORD — The River Valley’s Christmas in the Valley will kick off the holiday festivities with a craft fair on Dec. 1 followed by the Christmas in the Valley Parade and Festival of Trees on Dec. 8.

On Saturday, Dec. 1, the Christmas in the Valley craft fair sponsored by the River Valley Chamber of Commerce takes place at Mountain Valley High School in Rumford from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fifty-six crafters will feature their crafts and wares. A donation of $1 at the door will help provide food baskets for families of students at Mountain Valley High School.

Holiday cookies will be available at the always popular Cookie Walk, where more than 70 dozen will be on hand. At the Kid’s Corner, under the supervision of a young adults’ group from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., children can come and play games. Kris Howe from Ink Maine will also be on hand with something planned for the kids.

The Christmas in the Valley raffle this year will be a Gift Certificate Basket valued at more than $500.

Tickets are $5. Stop by the Christmas in the Valley booth to purchase tickets. For those who want tickets but can’t go to the fair, they can be purchased at Erik Designs on Route 108 in Rumford.

There will also be tickets for the Chinese Auction, where each crafter present will donate one of their wares to be raffled off.

The kitchen will be stocked with breakfast and lunch menu items.

On Dec. 8, floats should be ready for the Christmas in the Valley parade which starts at 4 p.m. After Santa lights the tree in Veterans Park at the head of Congress, he will greet the children at the Rumford Fire Station where the Firemen’s Relief will have a crockpot buffet going on. All are welcome to have a bite to eat before heading up to the Rumford Auditorium where the Festival of Trees will take place. 

Registration forms for the parade are available at the Rumford Fire Department; by emailing info@rivervalleychamber.com; or calling Cheryl at 207-364-3241.