SUBLETTE COUNTY — With 26 days left until Christmas, Santa’s elves are busy with preparations and so too are the staff and volunteers of numerous organizations in Sublette County.

Pinedale

Friday, Dec. 1, is the Museum of the Mountain Man’s Annual Holiday Wreath and Chocolate Auction, a holiday tradition since 1994. The event begins with a social hour at 6 p.m. inside the Pinedale Library featuring local singers collectively known as Voices 8, followed by dinner at 6:30 and the live auction at 7 p.m. Friday night. Live bidding is available both in person and by absentee, although online bidding is not permitted.

Silent bidding in the Chocolate Auction ends at 8 p.m. on Dec. 1.

The annual Wreath & Chocolate Auction is the primary fundraising event for the Museum of the Mountain Man and the Sublette County Historical Society. More than 250 individuals and organizations have generously donated creative wreaths and delicious chocolates over the last three decades.

First Bank has sponsored the food for the event for 22 consecutive years and will do so again on Friday.

Also on Friday, Dec. 1, is the Pinedale Fine Arts Council’s Christmas special performance, Rhythm of the Dance, beginning at 7 p.m. in the Sheppard Auditorium. A waiting list for the sold-out show will be available in the lobby beginning at 6 p.m.

The Sublette County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a Christmas Light Contest for local businesses. Voting takes place the first week of December and winners will be awarded trophies during the town’s tree-lighting ceremony. To participate or for more information, contact the Chamber at 307-367-2242.

Pinedale’s Mountain Man Christmas Parade through downtown kicks off at 6 p.m. on Dec. 9. Those planning to participate in the parade must make sure their payment is received by the Chamber by Dec. 6.

Pinedale’s tree-lighting ceremony facilitated by Mayor Matt Murdock will follow the parade at 7 p.m. on the courthouse lawn. Select members of the Pinedale High School Choir will sing Christmas carols. Folks are invited to attend a bonfire and enjoy s’mores outside of the Sublette County Visitor Center following the tree-lighting ceremony. Several local businesses will be open late to accommodate holiday shoppers.

On Dec. 8 and 9, the Wind River Skate Club presents Sleigh Ride Around the World at the Sublette County Ice Arena in Pinedale. The performance features the current Central Pacific Coast Champion ice skaters Milada Kovar and Nikolai Aptor. The Dec. 8 show begins at 6 p.m., and the Dec. 9 showing starts at noon. Chili, baked goods and hot drinks will be available for sale. Admission is by donation.

Later in December, the PAC hosts the Frosty 5K, a family fun run/walk planned for 10 a.m. on Dec. 23. The race starts and ends at the PAC, 535 N. Tyler Avenue in Pinedale. Kids, strollers and dogs are welcome. Register at welovepac.com. For more information call 307-367-2832.

Bondurant

The Bondurant Art and Ag Holiday Market and community cookie exchange takes place on Sunday, Dec. 3, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the Bondurant Fire Station. Door prizes will be given. Attendees are encouraged to bring a dozen cookies to exchange, along with an appetite and some spending money for holiday shopping.

Big Piney/Marbleton

The next South County Market held at the Big Piney Library kicks off on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., just in time for the holiday shopping season. The public is invited to the library’s Community Room to shop for soaps, jewelry, candles, crafts, sewn goods, homemade food and much more.

The Big Piney High School Student Council hosts the Jingle Bell Jog on Saturday, Dec. 2. Registration is at 8:30 a.m. at the Big Piney Rec Center, with runners taking their marks at 9 a.m. The cost is $10 per person. Runners can choose to participate in the 1-mile or 5k. Prizes are awarded to the top 3 runners in each category and the person with the most festive attire will be recognized with a special prize. Hot chocolate and treats will be provided. All proceeds from the event will help the student council sponsor families in the community for Christmas.

Saturday, Dec. 2, is also Big Piney’s Christmas Parade of Lights, beginning at 6 p.m., along Budd Avenue. Call the Big Piney Rec at 307-276-4071 or stop at 650 Piney Drive to sign up. Immediately following the parade is the town’s Christmas tree lighting facilitated by Mayor Shane Voss in Centennial Park.

La Barge

The La Barge Christmas Parade is Friday, Dec. 1, at 6 p.m. Cash prizes will be awarded. Following the parade, Santa will visit with kids at the La Barge Branch Library. Hot chocolate will be served at the Fellowship Hall. Cookie donations will be accepted at the Fellowship Hall starting at 4 p.m. on Friday. To enter a float or make a donation, contact Joanna at 970-515-8263.

The La Barge Activities Committee is hoping to light up Main Street again this holiday season. Light up your business to win cash prizes and the traveling trophy. Pre-decorated trees may be sponsored for $200 or folks can choose to decorate their own to save $50. Businesses and organizations interested in sponsoring a tree should contact Joanna at 970-515-8263.