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
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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
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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-
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elves.
Among other duties, Kyler said he
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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
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