Westside Stories

Lisa Yeager

Holiday Bazaar at Johnson Park Community Center featured local vendors and hand crafted items.

A weekend of Christmas events

When I opened the blinds on Saturday morning, it was 8 a.m. but it was so dark out I wondered if I had looked at the clock wrong. Thick, oppressive clouds brought a deluge of rain and after a week of sun, it was an unwelcome way to start the day. I had already had a rough week, between nursing a sick husband and battling a self-doubt-filled depression spiral, I was left exhausted. However, I was determined not to let those things keep me from all the great events this weekend.

By the early afternoon, the rain had reduced to a drizzle and the clouds had lifted to a less oppressive state. I ventured out a few miles down the road to Johnson Park Community Center to the Holiday Bazaar. I only intended to stay a few minutes to browse the vendor tables, take pictures, and maybe chat a little. I'm pleased to say things didn't go according to my plan, a familiar face was there to greet me and we began the first of several long conversations. I walked away with locally sourced honey, a Christmas gift for my daughter-in-law, and an aged fire cider immune elixir. I found myself engulfed in meaningful and encouraging exchanges with friends, neighbors, and a couple of family members. The sun even broke through and filled the cafeteria with welcoming light.

The Grays River Grange Art Show was my next stop. I was greeted warmly at the door by Joel Fitts, who teased me that he hadn't seen me outside recently when he biked past our place. I spent the next 30 minutes or so admiring the artwork of some very talented local artists and had more wonderful conversations. By the time I got back home, I was so joyful that Mark barely recognized me from the dour-faced wife who had left a few hours before.

Sunday was also filled with spectacular Christmas events and, as an organizer, I got to work behind the scenes and enjoyed every moment of it. The afternoon began at the Historic Deep River Pioneer Lutheran Church for the annual Christmas concert. Mike Swanson kicked off the show with his dry wit by getting everyone's attention with a leaf blower. He explained it was the easiest method to clear the church of dust and hundreds of flies by opening the front doors and blowing it all out. He then gave a quick history of the historic building, threw in a few jokes for good measure, and introduced the first musical performance.

The Finnish American Folk Festival choir, directed by Serena Travis, engaged the audience with a popular advent song in Finland, Hoosianna. Next, three-quarters of the members of Skamokawa Swamp Opera entertained with their unique blends of Do You Hear What I Hear? Ave Maria, In the Bleak Midwinter, and What Are You Doing New Year's? Rounding out the performances, the mother/daughter duo Kaksi Mummoa sang a beautiful rendition of Varpunen Jouluaamuna and Serena Travis led the concertgoers in a few carols on the piano.

The afternoon was rounded out with the Soup Supper and Tree Lighting at the Naselle Community Center. There were several delicious soups prepared by members of FAFF as well as bread, rolls, and home-baked cookies. The Naselle High School band weathered the misty evening to play a few Christmas tunes as the tree was lit. Led again by Serena Travis, the crowd sang a selection of Christmas carols, it was a fun way to finish out the weekend.

More Christmas events this weekend

The Finnish American Folk Festival Tour of Homes is this Sunday, December 15 from 12 – 3:30 pm. There are five homes on the tour this year, all within Naselle. This is always a great opportunity to see how others decorate for the holidays and get a glimpse into some wonderful homes. Tickets and tour maps are available for $5.00 at Finn Ware in Astoria and Hair Villa in Naselle, or you can email TourofHomes@nasellefinnfest.com for more information.

Also, this Sunday is the Naselle Lighted Christmas Parade on Knappton Road. Parade participants will begin assembling at the See's Farm at 84 Knappton Road at 4 p.m. Please arrive no later than 4:30 p.m. so all floats are ready to be lined up. The parade will begin promptly at 5 p.m.

The parade route is down Knappton Road, will turn around in the Naselle Clinic Parking lot, and then return to See's Farm.

Liability waivers are required for ALL participants. Haleigh See will have paper copies available to sign on the day of the parade.

Please DO NOT throw candy from your float. If you would like to distribute candy, please have someone walk beside the float and hand it out. This is for the safety and protection of everyone, especially the kids.

For spectators, there are several places to watch along the parade route. In the areas near the parade turnaround, for everyone's safety, please keep back several feet from the road so there is plenty of room for floats on both sides.

Registration for parade participants is available at http://www.nasellefinnfest.com. Please contact parade@nasellefinnfest.com with any questions. I hope to see many of you there!

Appelo Archives is having pictures with Santa in the Archives Café after the parade and don't forget, on Wednesday, Dec. 18 at noon is the Rosburg Hall Senior Lunch Christmas potluck. Please bring a dish to share. The raffle drawing for the fundraiser gift baskets will be held during the potluck.

Westside Happenings

December

15 Valley Bible Church Christmas Program, 11 a.m.

15 FAFF Tour of Homes, noon -3:30 p.m.

15 Naselle Lighted Christmas Parade, 5 p.m.

15 Appelo Archives Pictures with Santa, after the parade

17 Naselle-Grays River Valley School District Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

18 Rosburg Hall Senior Lunch Christmas potluck, noon.

19 Westend Food Pantry Christmas Box distribution, 1-5 p.m.

22 Grays River Methodist Church Candlelight Christmas Service, 5 p.m.

24 Naselle Lutheran Church Candlelight Christmas Eve Service, 5 p.m.

To include an event on the calendar or to give feedback, please contact me at writerlisayeager@outlook.com. You can also follow me on Facebook @ Writer Lisa Yeager.