By Catherine Ellerton

Moapa Valley Progress

Little Pirates Cheer Group leads Christmas Cheers during Lin’s Open House on Friday, November 11. Photo by Catherine Ellerton.

Visions of Boar’s Head Turkey, sweet sliced ham, pumpkin mousse and loaf cake, banana bread, stuffed mushrooms, smoked turkey and poached pears danced through my head as I wandered about during Lin’s Marketplace Open House on Friday, November 11.

As I grazed my way through the food tasting areas, I sought out opinions of fellow grazers. Young Bella Heiselbetz thought the cheese and ham were “too good to be healthy,” and Roger Konold thought that the sweet sliced ham was a winner indeed.

I found team members Wendy Dunbar and Suzie Torres tempting the shoppers with Lin’s own pumpkin mousse. Try as I did, I could not get them to divulge the secret recipe.

I needed a second opinion on the pumpkin cake vs. banana bread when whom should I run into but the current reigning Cinderella Beauty Winner, 4 year old Faith Gomez. After much tasting and consideration, her Highness decided the banana bread was a winner. However, Ann Hansen liked the pumpkin mousse and loaf cake instead.

When all of a sudden, such a commotion did arise, I spun on my heal and raced to the produce section to see what was the matter. And there, to my wondering eyes did I see a mass of humanity all cheering and hohaaaaing. I wandered to the front and what should I behold but the Little Pirates Cheer Group prancing and pawing to everyone’s delight.

Produce Manager Crissy Christenson had assembled an afternoon of entertainment to please the audience. From the violin duets offered by MVHS orchestra members Brittany Harding and Kenna McMurray to the professional presentation of baritone Jack Morgan of songs of World War II, the Big Band Era and Country. Rounding out the group of minstrels were the singing styles of Kris Leach, Reno and the Ben Muhlestein Family as well as the ensemble music of the MV Middle School Orchestra and Chorus.

In a twinkling I heard the joyful noise coming from the Kid’s Club Corner where team member Carol Jolley had called to the youth to create turkeys from cookies, Korn Candy, milk balls, icing, red licorice and peanut butter cups.

In spite of myself, I wandered off looking for more samplings and recipes, when I ran into team member Dave Robison who willingly shared the secret of the button mushroom stuffing of Italian sausage, celery, green peppers, onion, chicken stuffing mix and grated parmesan cheese. I hesitantly took a small sampling, as mushrooms are not a favorite food item, and ended up taking three. How my eyes did twinkle!

The decorations were hung and the stockings were filled and Lin’s $100 Food Gift card was won by Cindy Brinker.

In a blink of an eye, I wandered from the store and again what should my wondering eyes behold but Great Basin Cooking Co. and “Pig Tails” just waiting to be served. I knew I had nothing to dread.

I sprang to my mechanical sleigh and gave a whistle, then flew down the road with a wink of my eye. I exclaimed, to no one in particular, “Happy Holidays to one and to all!”