The Christmas season continues in a big way, and both Powell High School and Northwest College are hosting big tournaments. In addition, two area museums are hosting special events, and the first of the school Christmas concerts is scheduled.

Music fans can get an early start to the weekend at the PHS auditorium by taking in the Powell Middle School concert Thursday evening. If you’re more interested in sports, the PHS wrestlers kick off their season with a dual meet against Kelly Walsh.

Others might travel out to the Heart Mountain Interpretive Learning Center, which is hosting an open house and a program today (Thursday) about how Christmas was celebrated in the WWII era relocation camp.

For Christmas shoppers, the annual Country Christmas kicks off Friday at noon, and those visiting downtown stores also can visit the Country Christmas Gift Expo at The Commons, where a number of venders will display their wares and the Powell Valley Chamber of Commerce will be selling bratwursts.

At the PHS gym, the Panther wrestlers will host their annual invitational tournament, and basketball fans can take in a Trapper game at the Cabre Gym or travel to Cody to watch the Panthers begin their quest to repeat as conference champions.

Country Christmas and the Gift Expo continue on Saturday. Both of Powell’s clogging groups, Stomp & Company and Absaroka Mountain Thunder, will perform at Plaza Diane, and at 5:30 p.m. the popular lighted parade will make its way down Bent Street. In Cody, the Buffalo Bill Historical Center will host its annual open house Saturday.

Wrestling will conclude at Powell High School, as will the basketball tournaments at NWC and Cody High School.

To top off the weekend, Sunday features the annual Christmas Tour of Homes.

It’s a busy time, and we hope every local resident can find an an opportunity to enjoy the weekend here in Powell.