If you like building houses and have a sweet tooth as well, the Los Altos Recreation Department may be looking for you. Participants are being sought for the city's annual gingerbread showhouse exhibit, held Dec. 7-11 at Hillview Community Center, 97 Hillview Ave.
Gingerbread house creations must be no larger than 2 feet square, and be constructed of all edible materials (although not necessarily in edible form).
Entry forms, along with rules and regulations, are available through the Los Altos Recreation Department by calling Debby Maynard at 941-0950, ext. 300. Entry forms are due by 5 p.m., Dec. 2.
Entrants should deliver their creations to Hillview center no later than noon, Dec. 7. An opening reception is set for 4:30-6 p.m., Dec. 8.
Holiday carriage rides in downtown Los Altos
Tickets are now on sale for the new, one-half hour carriage rides around Downtown Los Altos for the holiday season. Rides will be offered 5-9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays, starting this Saturday, and continuing through the end of the year.
The turn-of-the-century carriages comfortably seat four adult passengers and meet modern safety requirements.
Sponsored by the Los Altos Village Association, tickets are $40 per ride and riders are encouraged to make advance reservations by calling 949-5282.
Hanukkah candle-lighting ceremony Dec. 15
The third annual celebration of Hanukkah will be a part of this year's downtown Los Altos seasonal celebration activities starting at sundown (approximately 5:30 p.m.) on Dec. 15 in the Community Plaza.
The ceremony celebrates the third night of the Festival of Lights and will include group singing and dancing, and a taste of some of the foods that make Hanukkah special.
Children from Congregation Kol Emeth and the Jewish Community Center will light a new giant menorah. The "Fiddler on the Roof," Vvi the Fiddler and his Klezmaniacs, will fill the Plaza with music and dancing from 6-8 p.m.
Visitors will have the opportunity to sample special holiday snacks and chocolate "gelt," and children can play with dredels.
'Spirit of Sharing' food drive Dec. 11
Foothill Disposal is holding its annual "Spirit of Sharing" curbside food and toy drive through Dec. 11 in Mountain View. The event will benefit needy families served by the Community Services Agency.
Foothill Disposal employees will collect new toys, games, books, canned goods and non-perishable food items curbside during the four-week period. Collection will be made on a resident's regularly scheduled recycling day.
Fliers were delivered to residents in November to introduce the program. Residents should put canned goods and toys in a bag and attach the flier, or mark the bag clearly with "Spirit of Sharing."
Food donations should be canned, non-perishable items. No glass packaging is allowed. Foods in short supply are canned meat and fish, canned milk, canned soups, vegetables and juices, as well as rice, pasta and peanut butter in plastic jars.
For more information, call 903-3579.
Santa daily in Los Altos
A 40-year tradition continues this year, as Santa Claus sets up shop at Rancho Shopping Center in Los Altos daily from noon to 4 p.m., beginning Friday. His visits will continue through Christmas Eve.
The Stanford Chamber Chorale, led by director Stephen Sano, will welcome Santa with a noon performance of holiday classics on Friday.
Rancho merchants invite the public to "bring the kids and camera." Rancho Camera Center can provide photo services a day ahead of the visit. Call 948-7456 for details.
Rancho Shopping Center is located on Foothill Expressway at Springer and Magdalena roads.
Sponsors needed for Los Altos tree lighting
The Los Altos Village Association is asking residents and businesses to help support the cost of providing street decorations and twinkle lights that adorn many of the trees in downtown Los Altos and provide a festive ambiance during the month of December.
Donations will help to finance the cost of strings, decorations and labor to install and remove the lights.
For more information or to donate, call Susan at 949-5282.