Magical. I think that is the best word
to use to describe this past weekend. Maybe I should add “freezing cold!” to
the list of words because it was very cold. However, it didn’t seem to cause
any daunting folks or of spirits. Thanksgiving came and went with families
gathering together or small groups or even dinner for one. Thankfulness comes
in many ways. After the big events at my house, Thanksgiving Day was at Aaron
and Rachel’s as we celebrated in their new house on their new farm. The fields
were beautiful as were the first flakes of snow cascading down upon us. Yes,
winter has already arrived even though I never finished the fall work. I still
have a handful of tulips and daffodils to plant and now I wonder if that will
even happen? I am not complaining. The cold air is brisk, and so exhilarating!
Friday dawned cold and windy. I
gathered up my stories and headed over to the courthouse to tell stories to
young and old alike. I stood up on the courthouse steps (my favorite place to
stand) wondering if anyone would even come to hear stories. Before long,
Courtney from Jennie Lou’s arrived with tidings of great joy. “We are moving
you over to Suttons event room!” I was pretty happy about that although it made
me a bit late. I again wondered if anyone would find me, but Nate and Aimee
Simons showed up with all their household guests…children and adults. They
filled every chair and stayed for an hour as I shared story after story with
their family! I truly was grateful to have an audience!
The rest of the day I roamed around
visiting different sites. The Brokaw sold out for the weekend, and we were all
thrilled about that. The ice sculptures were such a nice addition to the
beginning of Angola’s new traditions. Thank you to all the gals at Jennie Lou’s
for all the work and for making it such a wonderful experience. And, with the
cold, the sculptures could be with us for months. If you have not had a chance
to see them, take a stroll around town!
I headed home for an hour to warm up
before going back for the main event of the day which, of course, is the
arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. It was dusk when I headed back to town. I love
dusk in the winter. There is something so strikingly beautiful. The streetlamps
were just turning on and there were a few folks in line for Santa. I headed
over to Sutton’s to get my assignment and help out. Everyone was already there
setting up hot chocolate, getting candy canes ready. Dave Martin was gearing up
for his first Santa’s arrival since he took off. My friend, Kevin Butts, was
already working with his walkie-talkie as he was taking care of traffic and
Santa’s arrival. Rachel Homan and Graham were in their elf costumes waiting for
their duties with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Hereby known as Head Elf and Assistant
Elf. They have been doing this job for years!
If you were there, I don’t need to
tell you how cold it was! But even so, the line grew longer til it reached City
Hall and wove around the corner. Other folks gathered in all the quadrants to
wait the arrival and share in the magic. By 6:00 p.m. all was ready, the sleigh
was approaching, and the crowd was cheering! After Santa arrived, he and Dave
did the countdown to light the square. It was as if it were New Year’s as
everyone counted down, and just like magic, the lights came on!
My job for the evening was easy…just
counting the kids and the adults. I had a great front row seat, so to speak, to
be in the middle of the whole evening. I loved watching Santa and Mrs. Claus
take so much time with each child. They even got some of the crying babies to
stop for a while. Or was that Graham making faces at the babies? Either way, it
was great fun. Some of the children were all dressed up so they would look good
or Santa. Parents are wonderful. Thank you for braving the cold, and letting
your children have the magic of childhood.
By the time I went home, the streets
were empty, and I stopped to take photos of my beautiful town.
It was a magical day.
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