The recent snowfall has blessed the San Bernardino mountains with frosted peaks--and there is a seasonal nip in the air. If you crave a winter wonderland be sure to get into the spirit of the season by taking a short jaunt to Big Bear this week. Merchants on the 40800 block of Village Drive in Big Bear Lake, California will throw their first annual block party on Friday, November 19, 2004. The celebrations will start at 10am and continue until closing. Participating businesses will host special guests and offer unique specials to kick off the holiday shopping season--and to express their appreciation to locals and visitors.

Edelweiss Books (40804 Village Drive) will welcome readers with cider and snacks from 10am until 7pm. Acquired in 2002 by Carla Ogilvie, the store has served the valley for thirty years and now overflows with books and other unique surprises. Autographing sessions will continue throughout the day and visitors will meet authors Thomas Core (10am-11:30am), Rita S. Robinson (11:30-1pm), Diana L. Guerrero (1pm-4pm), and William Sarabande (4-5:30pm).

The quaint bookstore will waive membership fees to the Edelweiss Books Literary Society to all shoppers attending the event. The newly established club honors frequent purchasers with discounts on book and gift purchases. Edelweiss also sponsors the "Lit Chicks" book club and will have current book club selections on hand.

Biographies of participating authors:

Thomas H. Core (10am-11:30am) became a contributing journalist to the Big Bear Grizzly in 1987 with his popular column, "Bearly Remembered." This scribe serves as president of the Big Bear Historical Society and is the author of many works including Ghost Town Schoolmarm and Big Bear: The First 100 Years. Mr. Core will be autographing Big Bear: The First 100 Years.

Rita S. Robinson (11:30am-1pm) is a former health and psychology reporter, now full-time writer with more than 1,000 articles in magazines on four continents, and author of 11 books. She will be signing a number of her books including Discover Your Self Through Palm Reading, Exploring Native American Wisdom (written with Fran Dancing Feather), Survivors of Suicide, and The Palm: A Guide to Your Hidden Potential (now considered a classic). Robinson is currently at work on her next release.

Diana L. Guerrero (1pm-4pm) is an author, speaker, and the founder of the Alliance of Writers. This international columnist is contributing editor to Resources For Crisis Management in Zoos and Other Animal Care Facilities (American Association of Zoo Keepers, 1999), and author of What Animals Can Teach Us about Spirituality: Inspiring Lessons of Wild and Tame Creatures (SkyLight Paths, 2003). Her next book is scheduled for release in 2006.

William Sarabande (4pm-5:30pm) is known for his accurate archaeological details and has the distinction of being a best-selling author on multiple continents, not once--but four times. Sarabande has been the recipient of many awards, but the biggest surprise to many is that she is also a mountain resident named Joan Cline. Cline sold her first story at the tender age of 17 and is currently working on her 14th book. Sarabande will be autographing a number of books including: Beyond the Sea of Ice, The Sacred Stones, and Time Beyond Beginning.

Other Big Bear Lake businesses participating in the block party include:

Shirty Shanty (Corner of Pine Knot and Village Drive): Established in 1981, the store has been owned by Earl & Luisa Cline since 1988. Filled to the brim with shirts of all types, the store offers the only heat transfers in the San Bernardino Mountains. Seasonal favorites and souvenirs round out the inventory for locals and visitors alike. During the block party the store will offer special discounts from 10am until 5:30pm.

Wildwood Gifts & Gallery (40794 Village Drive, 1^st Floor): Established in 1989, the gallery was acquired in 2001 by Hallie Norris, Anne Marie Richardson, and Blaine Lee Hall III. Since then Wildwood Gallery has earned the status of being the #1 Thomas Kinkade Showcase Gallery in California. Featuring the works of Thomas Kinkade, Jack Terry, and carrying a variety of gift items, the block party specials will include beaded runners, curtain panels and placemats and more. The motto for the block party? “Buy a painting today, don’t pay for 12 months!”

The Village Faire Mall (40794 Village Drive, 2^nd Floor): Established in 1991 by George Lee Carver, this collection of tiny retail specialty stands is a delight to explore. Artisan pottery, crafts, and a wide selection of unique offerings comprise this creative collection.