Eagle River holiday events: residents flock to Merry Merchant Munch, Winter Wonderland Walk.

• Author: Pounds, Nancy
• Position: Alaska This Month

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The happiest Christmas memories mingle family times, festive edibles and colorful decorations--not traffic jams or lines at the mall. It's a season to cheer one's heart. In Eagle River, residents celebrate the holiday with a heartwarming, two-day community celebration.

The 17th annual Merry Merchant Munch runs Dec. 4 through Dec. 5. On Friday, Dec. 4, the Winter Wonderland Walk takes place. It's an evening of activities, including lighting the town tree and visiting with Santa Claus. The holiday kick-off activities always are scheduled for the weekend following Thanksgiving weekend.

CHAMBER SPONSORED

The Merry Merchant Munch and the Winter Wonderland Walk are sponsored by the Chugiak-Eagle River Chamber of Commerce.

The Merry Merchant Munch last year featured nearly 60 business participants, including real estate agents, coffee shops, doctors' offices, hair salons and a gym, said Merry Braham, Chamber special events coordinator. The Munch runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, although not all businesses are open both days.

BUSINESS DISTRICT OPEN HOUSE

"It's really set up as a holiday open house for businesses," Braham said. "The idea is for folks to go from business to business and get a little nosh here and there."

Some businesses develop elaborate decoration themes and buffets, while other offerings are as simple as a tin of cookies with a thank-you sign.

"I have people who practice all year long," Braham said.

Teams of judges visit participating businesses, rating them on several categories, including best holiday tree, merriest merchant, tastiest sweet treats and tastiest savory treats.

The Chamber also provides a passport and map listing Merry Merchant Munch participants. Visitors receive passport stamps at each location, and then submit the completed passport to the Chamber for a $50 gift certificate drawing the following Monday, Dec. 7.

The Munch also has featured a gingerbread house contest for about 15 years, Braham said. Teams of school children or families create delightful cookie and frosting structures. One team created Elmendorf Air Force Base out of gingerbread, Braham remembered.

"They are phenomenal. Every year it's...