Saturday, November 27, 2010
Snowmen alight at Cornerstone

The forecast is for Frosty, and lots of them, for the sixth annual Lighting of the Snowmen at Cornerstone on Saturday, Nov. 28.

The event, 4 to 6 p.m., features complimentary holiday treats, live music, marshmallow and chestnut roasting and children’s activities, all within a decorated winter wonderland.

The highlight is the lighting of 235 large snowmen. The decorative theme was chosen from among 35 public entries. Last year, the snowmen were being sling-shot across Arnold Road into a vineyard. The year before, they were organized into a singing choir, and before that they made their escape by cannon.

“Over the years, our snowmen lighting event has become more and more anticipated,” said Cornerstone’s Teresa Raffo. “It’s a new Sonoma holiday tradition.”

Raffo said some of this year’s complimentary highlights include Champagne Cocktails at Zipper, Hot Cider Brew at Artefact’s, Hot Toddies at Potter Green and a special holiday movie screening for the kids, with crafts and hot cocoa in the olive grove. Additionally, Cornerstone’s two wine tasting rooms, Keating Wines and Meadowcroft Wines will be pour wine by the glass for purchase on the property or bottles to take home.

During this special holiday event, the shops and wine tasting rooms will donate 10 percent of their proceeds to assist the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation.

Immediately following the lighting ceremony the second annual Winter Dessert Savoring will take place in the 50-foot Zephyr Event Tent at the end of the olive grove. The tasting event is $10 per person and benefits the Sonoma Valley Education Foundation.

Raffo said that dessert chefs from many of Sonoma Valley’s top restaurants participate, and provide recipe cards and cooking tips for all attendees. Reservations for the Winter Dessert Savoring, which sold out last year, may be made at sveducationfoundation.org or 935.9566. Tickets will be limited again this year. All participating Chefs For additional information about the lighting and tasting events,
Cornerstone Sonoma is located at 23570 Arnold Drive/Hwy 121 in Sonoma. For more contact cornerstonesonoma.com or 933.3010.

Have you seen this Snowman?
When the Snowman Lighting event first started, there were some 500 snowmen. Almost half have disappeared, and the Cornerstone folks are offering amnesty and a special gift to anyone who returns any of the missing snowmen. If you or someone you know has one of the Cornerstone snowmen, just return it to the site with no questions asked, and receive your free gift.

---