Chamber Chat – February 2025

Our historic landmark town was the shining heart of the Rogue Valley’s 2024 holiday season. With the inaugural Jacksonville Holiday Trolley Lights Tour drawing over 5500 enthusiastic passengers for 29 completely sold-out evenings, Father Christmas welcoming over 1000 visitors, countless carols sung and endless cups of hot cider poured for visitors from near and far, it was a truly delightful Victorian Christmas.

The Chamber extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this celebration truly memorable: the talented tree-lighting ceremony performers, the enthusiastic parade participants, to our dedicated volunteers and supporters who helped create the magic and the City of Jacksonville for its support. We thank you.

Special recognition goes to our local businesses who transformed downtown with their holiday spirit and the essence of historic Jacksonville’s holiday charm. Collective, community-wide cooperation has once again demonstrated why our town remains a must-visit destination during the holiday season.

As we embrace the coziness of February, the Chamber invites you to discover Jacksonville’s “Heart of Gold.” All month long, we weave together our rich Gold Rush heritage with the warmth of modern-day community spirit. We’re thrilled to partner with Historic Jacksonville for an engaging lecture series, “Then and Now.” We will gather in some of our favorite landmarks to listen to tales specific to the site and hear stories from the present-day proprietors about their unique businesses.

The story of Robbie Collins will be presented by local historian Larry Smith for our first event at South Stage Cellars on Saturday, February 8, at 2:30pm.

Follow us on our social media channels for the rest of the schedule as we spotlight historic landmarks that once played crucial roles during the Gold Rush era and their evolution into beloved present-day destinations. We’ll be sharing captivating love stories from Jacksonville’s past and present, and heartwarming stories of modern-day “hearts of gold” – the individuals and businesses that make our community special. Whether it’s the owner of a local shop who goes above and beyond for customers, or a resident who embodies the giving spirit of our town, these stories remind us that Jacksonville’s true wealth lies in its people.

Join us in celebrating both our storied past and vibrant present throughout February. Visit our local businesses, many housed in the same historic buildings that once served gold miners and pioneers, now offering unique shopping and dining experiences. Take a walking tour of our historic landmarks, enhanced by our social media storytelling campaign that brings their histories to life.

Together, let’s continue to preserve and celebrate the heart of gold that beats at the center of Jacksonville – a spirit that has remained constant from the days of the Gold Rush to our thriving present-day community.

For more information about February’s “Heart of Gold” events and activities, visit jacksonvilleoregon.org and follow us on social media @visitjacksonvilleoregon.