Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The Blue Mountain eagle. (John Day, Or.) 1972-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 25, 2015)
A8 Christmas Blue Mountain Eagle Santa Claus and three of his elves make their grand entrance at the Teen Center, thanks to a courtesy ride from the Prairie City Fire Department. Wednesday, November 25, 2015 Kyler Shaw, 9, of Prairie City, is all smiles while he’s “on the job” as one of Santa’s elves. Harmony Harper, 5, of John Day, shares her wish list with Santa. Sweet season’s greetings Christmas on the Prairie celebrates 20 years of holiday fun %\&KHU\O+RHÀHU Blue Mountain Eagle P RAIRIE CITY – It wasn’t exactly a winter wonderland, but everything else about last Saturday’s Christmas on the Prairie in Prairie City was merry and bright – and sweet. The “Candyland” theme this year was evident throughout town, most notably in the Teen Center, where children kept busy through most of the day with crafts, in- cluding creating and decorating their own gingerbread houses, an activity organized by Anna Smith and her husband, Tom. Several merchants got in on the fun, too, and had their own gingerbread houses on display – some designed with the particular business in mind. Those creations were auctioned off at the tree lighting that evening, with the proceeds WR EHQH¿W 7DOHQWV DQG 7UHDVXUHV RUJD- nizers of Christmas on the Prairie. Santa Claus and three of his elves arrived in style on a Prairie City Fire Department engine. Santa spent much of the day at the Teen Center, welcom- ing a steady stream of young visitors for photos and gift wishes. Other festivities in town included the American Legion Auxiliary bazaar at the Prairie City School cafeteria and the school FFA auction and dinner that evening. Christmas on the Prairie started in 1995, mainly as a day of seasonal sales and special drawings among the mer- chants in town. Santa made appearanc- es, awarded prizes and gave out good- ies. The event has grown over the years, both in the number of activities and pop- ularity throughout Grant County, as the kick-off to the holiday season. The annual event is organized by Talents and Treasures of Prairie City. Wanda Winegar, owner of Bar WB and one of the longtime organizers, said, “It’s a lot of fun seeing friends get to come together and visit.” “It’s an important event for our com- munity,” Winegar said. Melanie DeJong, dental hygienist at Norm DeJong Dentistry, said, “It’s great to have fun things for the kids to do.” “Anna (Smith) and her entourage are inspiring the community,” DeJong add- ed. “It’s great to be part of something fun and creative.” Kyler Shaw, 9, of Prairie City, en- MR\HG KLV ¿UVW VWLQW DV RQH RI 6DQWD¶V elves. Among other duties, Kyler said he HQMR\HGJHWWLQJWRULGHRQWKH¿UHHQJLQH for Santa’s arrival. Eagle photos/Cheryl Hoefler But the best part? “That I get to stand by Santa,” he Six-year-old twins Jassmin, left, and Sonja Harig of Prairie City share Santa’s lap before making gingerbread houses at the Teen Center. said. A wide variety of gingerbread houses from Prairie City businesses wait to be auctioned off during Christmas on the Prairie. Proceeds benefited Talents and Treasures, organizers of the event. “ Nancy Hitz of Prairie City, second from left, builds gingerbread houses with her grandnephews, from left, Kayden, 4, Connor, 2, and Levi, 2, and their mother, Bridget Botts, all visiting from Gresham. Anna (Smith) and her entourage are inspiring the community. It’s great to be part of something fun and creative.” – Melanie DeJong, dental hygienist at Norm DeJong Dentistry Wishing you all the makings of a happy Thanksgiving. “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.” - President Harry S. Truman We appreciate your business & support. Whether at home or abroad, active duty or reserve, living or deceased, let us help you honor your friends and loved ones in uniform. In the months ahead, Doug’s Motor Vehicle Repair will be highlighting members of the armed forces in the Blue Mountain Eagle. Featured individuals will also receive a $50 gift certificate from Doug’s Repair. Stop by the Blue Mountain Eagle or Doug’s Motor Vehicle Repair to submit a photo and brief history of their time of service. To those who gave their lives, and those who bravely fought today, thank you. Lori Hickerson Sally Knowles Babette Larson Principal Broker, GRI Broker, GRI Broker, GRI Office: 541-575-2617 Office: 541-932-4493 Office: 541-987-2363 ljh@ortelco.net sknowles@ortelco.net ddwr@ortelco.net www.farmseller.com www.eastoregonrealestate.com www.oregonranchandhomes.com/dukewarner Your Professional Real Estate Choice in Grant County 02981 Members of RMLS & COARMLS www.rmls.com or www.coarmls.com 02940 D UKE W ARNER R EALTY
