COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
SALINAS — California Rodeo Association is inviting the community to its third annual Country Christmas Celebration, presented by MYCARS.com, on Thursday, Dec. 11, at the Salinas Sports Complex. This free, family-friendly event runs from 5 to 7 p.m. and features festive activities, including photos with Cowboy Santa, hot cocoa, candy canes, holiday crafts and more. A highlight will be the distribution of 1,500 toys for children ages 2 to 12, made possible by donations from Compass Church and community supporters. The church is accepting new, unwrapped toy donations valued at $25. The event also offers live holiday music, free mini donuts and festive photo opportunities. The Rodeo seeks sponsors and donors to help keep the event accessible. For sponsorship info and event details, visit CARodeo.com/Events/2025/Country-Christmas.
TRANSPORTATION AWARDS
MONTEREY COUNTY — Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) is calling for nominations for its 24th Annual Transportation Excellence Awards. The awards recognize individuals, organizations, projects and programs that have made significant contributions to improving the county’s transportation system. Nominations can highlight innovative initiatives, efforts to promote safety and efficiency, public education efforts, transit improvements or outstanding transportation employees. The one-page nomination form is available on TAMC’s website. Deadline for submissions is 12 p.m. on Dec. 12. Winners will be honored at the Feb. 25 TAMC Board meeting. For more information, visit tamcmonterey.org.
WINTER CONCERT
SALINAS — YOSAL will host a free winter concert on Friday, Dec. 12, at 5 p.m. at the Fox Theater in Salinas. Under the direction of Music Director Jeff De Seriere and Program Director Diana Ramirez-Rosales, the event will feature over 200 students from grades 1-12, showcasing choir, orchestra, basic instrument instruction and mariachi banda. Highlights include selections from Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite” and “No Me Se Rajar” by José Carmen Frayle Castañon, performed by YOSAL’s mariachi banda. Celebrating its 15th year, YOSAL promotes social change through classical and ensemble music. For more information, visit yosal.org.
BONUS BRIEF: SANTA LETTERS
SALINAS — Buich Insurance is hosting a free Santa Letter Writing Party for families in Salinas on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 9 to 11 a.m. at its office, 559 E. Alisal St., Suite 102. Children can enjoy holiday treats like cookies and hot chocolate while writing their letters to Santa with provided supplies. No RSVP is needed, and families can stop by at any time during the event. Staff will be on hand to assist with letter writing. For more details, visit buichinsurance.com.
