By BOBBIE GREEN
The Progress
The Jimmy Hughes Campus in Mesquite was as popular as a Christmas Eve at Santa’s workshop on Saturday, Nov. 19. Kicking off the Holiday Season, the Yucca Street Holiday Festival drew a huge crowd. Entertaining events were happening throughout the campus. Artists were selling their wares, and non-profits were getting the word out about their purpose and their upcoming events.
Santa and Mrs. Claus were composing their delivery list in the lobby of the Mesquite Community Theater to the delight of the children who took the early opportunity to sit on Santa’s knee and add their requests to the list.
The festival; a partnership between the City of Mesquite, the Virgin Valley Artist Association and the Women’s History and Culture Center; was very successful and provided a benefit for all the community. There were approximately 58 different organizations represented there.
“We love that the city does things like this,” said Melanie Palmer who attended with her husband Randy. “We like getting out and having the opportunity to donate to a good cause.”
There were fun things to do for the kids. Silver Rider bus company provided the kids a chance at painting Christmas ornaments. The College of Southern Nevada, Mesquite center offered holiday “fishing” for prizes over the iceberg. The Mesquite Show Girls were posing for “Glam” photos with festival attendees.
Local dance and singing groups performed in 20 minute intervals in the Mesquite Community Theatre throughout the day. Acts like the Cowboy Poets, Tammy D and the vibrant Life Long Dancers, the Mesquite Toes and many more kept the audience entertained there.
One of the most popular spots was the patio in front of the Women’s History and Culture Center. The Mesquite Café Blue’s band performed there through most of the day. Their break times gave a chance for local Rec. Center dance instructors to give dance lessons to the crowd. The Patio was kept full with music, dancers, and on-lookers enjoying the day.
A number of food trucks came to the festival to provide lunch to the crowd. These included Smoke N’ Grind, The Corndog Company, White Boys Tacos and Fire Up Creations.
The Mesquite Fine Arts Center was another popular area. Attendees could shop at the Holiday Boutique for handcrafted items from the local artists and crafters. The Sunny Strummers Sing Along performed on their ukeleles from 12-2 pm.
The Salvation Army Mesquite table was busy with volunteers signing up to ring the bell outside local stores for the annual holiday kettle drive.
We care for Animals and Happy Footprints were also there with fun for the furry friends.
Deborah Stephenson was playing mellow music on the oboe in front of the Rotary Club table.
Pam Sadler, of the Virgin Valley Theater Group, one of the major organizers of the event was extremely excited about the success of the event.
“I am so happy with it,” Sadler said. “People came. So it is going great.”
