The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Everyone seemed to be having a grand time at the annual Grays River Grange Christmas Party on Tuesday. The laughter was occasionally raucous at the "nine ladies dancing" table, and there were times when the children's energy seemed limitless.

Bob Pyle read A Visit from St. Nicholas to the little ones. Some clambered up him like he was a tree, clinging to his arms, and claiming the limited space on his lap. Others wandered back and forth, back and forth, pausing occasionally to help Pyle mimic reindeer on the roof, or snoring sleepers.

Diana Zimmerman

Bob Pyle read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas to the children at the grange Christmas dinner. "Do you have visions of sugar plums dancing in your head?" he asked one of the girls. She shook her head no. "I hope not," Pyle replied, "you'd have to wash your hair in the morning."

Then suddenly, Santa was there, and the kids surrounded him as he handed out gifts. Luckily for the adults, there were gifts for them too, in the form of raffles and gift exchanges.

Raffle tickets were distributed at the door, and numbers were selected all evening. Grangemaster Krist Novoselic handed out all manner of prizes from coloring books and candy to candles and homemade socks. There were a lot of happy smiles as people walked up to pick up their gift.

Longtime members were honored, including Rosalie and Thomas Webb, for 35 years, or Dean Takko, for 40 years. Carleton Appelo has been a member for 65 years, but Lenore Sorenson has got him beat. She's been a member for 80 years.

Carols were sung including the 12 Days of Christmas, which is always a big hit at this event. Each table is given a line from the carol, and they seem to know instinctively that it was a competition for volume.

Finally, candles were circulated and the lights were dimmed and everyone reflected on the end of the year, and the mysteries to come.