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Snowmen to glow Saturday

In what has grown to become a Sonoma Valley holiday tradition, Cornerstone Sonoma’s eighth annual Lighting of the Snowmen will take place on Saturday, Nov. 24, beginning at 4 p.m. Admission to the event is free and open to the public.

For the second consecutive year, proceeds from the sale of carnival tickets at the event will benefit Pets Lifeline. The tickets can be used for face painting by Popo the Clown, hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts, gingerbread decorating, holiday crafts and games as well as grab-bag gifts. Carnival tickets may also be exchanged for steins of beer in the Holiday Beer Garden as well as an assortment of raffle items for purchases of holiday gifts at Pets Lifeline’s “dog biscuit bake sale.” Additionally, pet adoption stations will be set up in three locations at Cornerstone so lucky animals can be given a good home on the spot.

“We are getting ready for a spectacular event this year,” said Cornerstone’s Teresa Raffo. “We received many great ideas on how to present the snowmen (and women) this year, and we hope everyone enjoys our kick-off of the holiday season. We are also pleased to partner with Pets Lifeline, our own Sonoma-based nonprofit animal shelter again this year.”

The event has grown over the years into a festive celebration that attracts hundreds of people, and this year Cornerstone Sonoma is offering complimentary auxiliary parking with shuttle service from Jacuzzi Winery, just south of Cornerstone on Highway 121.

The shuttles will leave every 15 minutes from the Jacuzzi lot, beginning at 3:30 p.m. taking guests to and from the event. Onsite parking will be available for $5 a car, with all the proceeds benefitting Pets Lifeline.

Guests are encouraged to plan ahead to avoid traffic congestion. The California Highway Patrol will be assisting with traffic control to ensure the safety of all guests. Parking on the shoulder of Highway 121 will not be allowed.

A few of the evening’s events will include live music by Robert and Amy Ethington, a holiday performance by the Sonoma Ballet Conservatory in the wedding tent, holiday children’s films in the Olive Grove Cinema, photos with Santa Claus on the Big Blue Chair, shopping in unique shops, wine tasting at the two winery tasting rooms on the property and a beer garden complete with lederhosen.

Chef Bruce Riezenman, owner of Park Avenue Catering has recently opened Park 121 Café at Cornerstone and will be offering a variety of select menu items including pizza from the new woodburning oven situated outdoors in the olive grove.

For every meal sold at the event, 10 percent will be donated to Pets Lifeline.

For additional information about the Lighting of the Snowmen, including the complimentary shuttle schedule, directions, weather updates and large groups, visit cornerstonesonoma.com or call 933-3010.