The Christmas season is here.
It's been a busy year, and it went by so quickly. The older I get, the faster time passes, somehow. Remember how that stretch of time between summer vacation and the Christmas season seemed to last forever?
Now, it rushes past at jet speed. When did that happen? - perhaps when decorating, shopping and wrapping gifts became jobs instead of joyful events that I couldn't wait for all year.
I digress. Before I drown in nostalgia, let me thank everyone who helped us with the cornstalk maze. Our two-day fall celebration was wildly successful thanks to everyone who attended, especially those of you who made a day of it and stayed until we closed. I will forever remember one little tyke who cried when we packed up on Sunday.
The haunted maze was successful and so much fun. Plans are already under way for next year. Special thanks to our friends who donated their time as characters; Marci, Fallon, Alycia, Joey, Jeff, Lin and Kloe. You were terrific!
Also thank you to Councilman Bob Merriman for his contribution of cornstalks, Councilman Jason Mattern for the hay bales and the Wintersville Police Department for watching over the maze at night. Special thanks to group member Councilwoman Phyllis Foreman who was always there with a smile when I became stressed out.
Our sincere thanks to the Wintersville Department of Public Works. You guys are all phenomenal and we couldn't have done it without your patience and hard work.
They were out there immersed in cornstalks with me all week just to bring the maze to Wintersville. I can't thank you all enough, especially Perry Poole, my co-architect. I see a huge tray of Christmas cookies coming your way.
Thanks to my two children, Marci and Fallon, for all the work you did when half of our committee became wounded during our set-up week. Lastly, thanks to everyone who took the time to give us such positive feedback. It was great to see everyone having a good time; that's what Special Events is all about.
The Christmas season officially started with the Wintersville Christmas Parade on Sunday. Santa was at the village building after the parade to visit with the kids and take Christmas requests. You're never too old to sit on Santa's lap.
The Wintersville Memorial Tree will be in the gazebo again this year, and everyone is invited to place an ornament in memory of a loved one.
Don't forget our silly snowman contest. When Jack Frost is ready to let those snowflakes pile up, get out there and be creative, Wintersville!
You can enter your snow creation or a neighbor's by e-mailing us at Wintersvillespecialevents@yahoo.com or calling (740) 424-5948 or (740) 264-4239.
Everyone at Special Events wishes all of you a joyful holiday season. Don't forget to believe. Open those misty gates and visit toyland once again.
You don't have to be a child to appreciate the magic of Christmas.
(Martin is a member of the Special Events Committee.)
