By CATHERINE ELLERTON
Moapa Valley Progress
“It’s been said many times, many ways;” but the Festival of Trees is a magical way to begin the Holiday Season.
Old Logandale School Facilities Manager Robin Maugha admitted that she is fixated on being a part of the success and continued growth of the historic building. She loves the story of this facility and wants to share it with the community.
The celebrant was guided to the Christmas Trees. They were magnificent! There were natural trees such as “Birds of a Feather” by the MV Art Guild and a Native American Tree with handmade ornaments by the docents of The Lost City Museum. There were trees with creatures: the “red Santa Tree” by Tom and Robin Maughan, the “Bird House Tree” by Maggie Genseal, the “Penguin Tree” by Ned and Georgia Solomon and the “Nutcracker Tree” by Gregory and Carolyn Marshall and Jinx and Audrey Johnson.
There was a tree entitled “It’s a Wonderful Life” by Maggie Genseal in memory of Pat Grow, a “Patriotic Tree” by the Ute Perkins Elementary School Patriots and a “Pink and Green Tree” by the Acosta Family. There was a lovely “Frosty Winter Tree” by Karen Alsum of Farmers Insurance which had everyone gathering about wondering how they did it – the thick puffy snow on the branches?
Catherine Pickett volunteered, after a bit of prodding, that her favorite tree was the “Bright Star” tree by the MV Art Guild. It was so bright and cheery that it just brightened the area.
One could also bid on many smaller items. There was a Nativity Scene given by Rhonda Pulsipher, a Gift Basket from Cutting Edge, Santa Signs and Cloth Trees, a Nevada Gift Bag from Assemblyman James Oscarson and two scrumptious looking Gingerbread Houses from Lin’s Market.
Bids were made and increased and then made again in the silent auction. All proceeds went to the running of OLSHACS.
To keep one’s strength up while continuing to wander through the Festival, a quick stop at Grandma K’s Kitchen helped with a handful of Mint Mello Fudge or Alaskan Blackberry Fudge.
Stopped by vendor booths Nature’s Beauty and Pampered Chef and talked with Joyce Lyon about the newest and greatest. The many clever baking items were scrutinized and lip balm and Boo Boo Ointment were considered.
What would Christmas be without the music? The stage area was abuzz with singers and dancers. The Elite Dancers rocked the building with Jingle Bell Rock. Bowler Elementary Choir sang of going to Grandma’s for Christmas and urged all to celebrate “A Glorious Time of Year.” The Valley Carolers made up of Cher Freeman, Lori Markosek, Ken Bessey and Rick Houston sang old fashioned carols.
The Giggle Toes were delightful in pink and the Dynamite Cheerleaders were dyno-mite! The Middle School Choir delighted all. Blake and Blakey Anderson headed a list of singing acts that included Leyah Carvajal and Kaley and Shenaya Romero, who joined her and danced a bit. Then Coralynn Stevens took to the stage and continued the Christmas joy with songs of the season. Soon the Kountry Kickers performed their traditional line dancing to Christmas music.
Soon the two day event was coming to an end. But not before being entertained by the pianistic stylings of Rose Whitmore. The hustle and bustle of the weekend melted away as Ms. Whitmore helped us to remember what it was all about – “Going Home for the Holidays,” listening to the “Silver Bells,” having fun with “Rudolf, the Red Nosed Reindeer” and “Frosty The Snowman.” But, most importantly, it is about finding the answer to the question “What Child Is This?”
Merry Christmas to one and all.
