It Takes a Village

Another

Hometown

Christmas has come and gone. And if the smiles on the faces of those visiting with friends, enjoy­ing the entertainment, sam­pling cookies and checking out the wares at Town Hall were any indication, it was a success. Last week I spoke with Commercial Club Presi­dent Joy Smith to prepare a schedule of events for the paper. In the course of that discussion Smith comment­ed that Hometown Christmas was the "easiest project I've ever been in charge of."

Smith recently took over organizing the event from Ruth Peterson, who handed her "a beautiful notebook with the complete recipe for Hometown Christmas." Smith said that so many groups and individuals pull together to create this special event that all she has to do is check in and make sure ev­eryone is on track. "They're usually half done by the time I check in with them," said Smith.

There's always a bit of a risk in "naming names" as someone will surely be over­looked. For that, I apologize in advance. But I wanted to take the opportunity to showcase just how much of a community effort Hometown Christmas (and associated events) really is. It's a rare thing to find so many groups and individuals coming to­gether to create something special for a community.

The fire department kick- starts the Christmas spirit by cutting and placing the town Christmas tree - this year's was donated by John Ken­ney - and hanging wreaths, lights and garland on the light poles. Pacific Power brings a bucket truck to string the lights and returns later in the week to hang the ornaments the elementary school chil­dren make to adorn the tree.

In preparation for the big day, Barb Knopp and Jane Butler visit area businesses soliciting prizes for the draw­ings on Sunday afternoon. Ruth and Wayne Peterson place the cans and tickets at the businesses locations. For each five dollars spent, a customer receives a ticket in the drawing.

Waitsburg's American Le­gion Auxiliary (with a crew of volunteer helpers) hosts Turkey Bingo each year. Rose Engelbrite works with the vendors to organize the tables at Town Hall and sev­eral local organizations host drawings and offer goods at the sale. The cost of a vendor table includes a plate of cookies, which become refreshments for the guests, served by the Rainbow girls. A tack swap by the Waits­burg Celebration Days Board was a new addition this year.

Brad Green and Kate Hockersmith pool their tal­ents and resources to sched­ule entertainment for the afternoon. Local musicians - mostly youngsters - share their talents with the crowd.

Another favorite tradition is a visit with Santa. Robbie and Marilyn Johnson suit up as Mr. and Mrs. Claus and welcome children to the Pla­za Theater, where they offer a free goodie bag and a photo with Santa. Terry and Rick Ferguson make up Santa's goody bags, which always include an apple, some choc­olate and other treats. Mem­bers of Boy Scout Troop 332 help the children sign up for an Auxiliary drawing and distribute the treats.

A group of local ladies take responsibility for the 4 p.m. drawing, with Karen Mohney announcing prizes and the Rainbow Girls run­ning them to the recipients.

Last year the FFA Club began the Festival of Trees, which has already become a welcome tradition. "People love to see the decorated trees along Main Street. And it's special because they're all so 'homey' and not glitzy and commercial looking," said Smith. This year Team Relay for Life took the People's Choice Award and the 3rd Grade Class was awarded First Prize.

Following the drawing, volunteers quickly move tables and prepare Town Hall for the soup and chili feed - a tradition carried on by the Commercial Club in memory of Bill Thompson, who originally sponsored the meal. April Gould has taken over chili-making responsi­bilities and the Celebration Days Court provides dessert.

Outside, Wayne Peterson, Herb Mettler and Mike Cook organize the parade line­up. Ron Griffin sets up the speakers and sound system each year and Fred Hamann announces. The Walla Walla Sheriff's Dept. provides traffic detour and help with parade permits.

Smith said working with Chief Deputy John King was a pleasure. "He always made me feel like I was the only thing on his plate and that Waitsburg was a top priority."

Friends of the Library open the library to provide a warm spot for parade view­ers.

Commercial Club spon­sors Hometown Christmas, but not as a money-making event. "It is something we gladly do as a gift to the com­munity," said Smith.

A gift in which the com­munity gives as well as re­ceives.