A Few Minutes with the Mayor – Dec 2023/Jan 2024

I love this time of the year in Jacksonville. We have enjoyed our beautiful show of fall leaf color from our deciduous trees, fire danger season is past, and I’m looking forward to enjoying the winter holiday season with family and friends.

The City of Jacksonville has time-honored traditions beloved by the folks who live here, and visitors from all over the Rogue Valley. The Jacksonville Oregon Chamber of Commerce sponsors our annual Victorian Christmas Celebration. A weekend during the holiday season in Jacksonville is full of activities that satisfy folks looking to share holiday spirit. The ambiance of our historic downtown is magical. The twinkling lights, decorations of fresh greens, and friendly folks, will guarantee you leave in a holiday mood. As you stroll through town, you can enjoy a trolley ride, musical entertainment, and a complimentary cup of cider,

The Victorian Christmas Parade is Saturday, December 2nd, at 10am, along California Street. This decades-old parade is popular for everyone. Many folks make a day of visiting Jacksonville to shop and eat after the parade.

Father Christmas will take time from his workshop to visit, from November 26th through December 17th. He will be at the 3rd Street/California Street entrance of Beekman Bank from 11am to 4pm on weekends.

Beekman House Victorian Christmas tours will be held weekends November 25th through December 17th at the Beekman House from noon to 3pm. Their famous sugar cookies will be offered again this year. The Beekman House is located at 470 E. California Street, Jacksonville, Oregon.

Jump on the Jacksonville Trolley and rest your feet while taking a break from shopping. December rides are available Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30am-2:30pm with tours leaving on the hour. Another enjoyable activity is the Holiday Lights Trolley Tour. Enjoy caroling to holiday favorites as you are driven through some of the East Medford neighborhoods famous for their holiday lights and decorations. See the details on the Chamber webpage jacksonvilleoregon.org or stop by the Chamber Visitor’s Center at 185 N Oregon Street.

The Brodie Dental Toy Drive is a great way to share the holiday spirit of giving. Stop by their office on weekdays to pick up an Angel Tree gift card. You can then return the unwrapped gift, matching the information provided on the card, to the dental office or the Salvation Army, where it will be distributed in time for Christmas. Brodie Dental (541-899-8833) is located at 305 Shafer Lane, Jacksonville, Oregon. The Salvation Army (541-773-6965) is located at 304 Beatty Street, Medford, Oregon.

The Jacksonville Garden Club will hold their Annual Holiday Greens Sale on Friday, December 1, from 9am to 3pm, in the alcove next to the Post Office. The club will have wreaths, baskets, swags, and table arrangements for sale. Pre-order is preferred, but the club always enjoys “Greens Sale Day” and greeting all our friends. The club will also have home baked goods, ornaments, artistic greeting cards and some surprise items for sale. Proceeds are dedicated to local college scholarships, education, and community beautification.

Another way to share your Holiday Spirit is to support the Medford Food Project. Their donations are shared throughout the Rogue Valley, including Jacksonville. The next Jacksonville Pickup Day is Saturday, December 9th. For information on the Food Project in Jacksonville or the “Green Bag,” contact Jerrine Rowley at 415-250-6575 or Faye Haynes at 541-324-1298.

One of the nicest ways to enjoy the season is to SHOP and DINE in Jacksonville. We have a plethora of stores to purchase holiday gifts for everyone on your list. Clothing, jewelry, kitchenwares, travel items, books, spirits, and unusual gifts for the “hard to buy for person” are available in Jacksonville. Why drive all over the county when you can park and shop in just one spot! Dining is a wonderful experience with a wide variety of cuisines to choose from. Bring your family and meet your friends to experience a meal or a tasty beverage during shopping breaks. You will be able to find something to please the appetite and thirst of everyone in your group.

On behalf of our City Council members, Jacksonville City Staff and myself, Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for a Happy New Year! See you in 2024!