One of the things the locals here have been looking forward to each year, since it started, is the Christmas decorations downtown at our little park. I know for a fact, my grandkids enjoy it each year and I know there are alot of locals and people coming through town who enjoy it as well. It has become a big part of Christmas in our town.
We use to have an open house with the downtown merchants when there were more merchants. I had my gift shop on the highway as other retailers were located, and we all participated in open house the day after Thanksgiving evening. The lights would come on down 160 and Central and it was the time Santa Claus would make his arrival in town and visit with the kiddies.
The local chamber of commerce has tried to keep all this alive and I know it is a thankless job. Tim Johnson started this idea twith decorating the little park to give back to the community and he is out there faithful each year putting up decorations and being the man in charge. I am sure he doesn't need any praise, as people that do this kind of giving back to the community, have their own reward. But, let me tell you, it wouldn't hurt to give Tim and others working on this project some encouragement, and/or donations. This is something we all enjoy.
My 7 year old grandson Jonathan was out bike riding with his daddy last Saturday. They went by the downtown park as the workers were steadily getting everything up and in order, and Jonathan said it all in one word. "COOL!!!" I pointed out the importance of understanding that this didn't just happen. People have given of their time and energy to make this happen. If you just see the great decorations and lights, you miss the spirt of the season. It is all about giving back to the community. Yeah, I know, he is only 7, but he is a smart 7 ( of course) and if he gets to grow up in this community, he needs to have an understanding that it takes a village.
Thanks Tim and others!!
Mary Welch, Broker-Owner Preferred Choice Realty
and an avid supporter of "The spirit of Christmas".