It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Elkhorn, with all the recent community light-up events throughout the village.
The Saturday, Dec. 2 festivities started off with a successful gift, baking, and craft sale at the Legion hall that drew a large number of vendors and customers who wanted to do some early holiday shopping. There was something for all ages and a small place over in the corner where you could have a light lunch at a reasonable price, put on by members of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Elkhorn Legion. Many of the arts and craft items featured Christmas colors and themes which brightened the crowded hall.
Up-town at the Elks Hall, a full house of children sat in the semi-dark watching a Disney movie from the “Cars” series. As they watched they had lots of fresh-made popcorn, a long tradition at the annual Elks Christmas movie, with Ken Shackel as head popcorn maker, a tradition carried on from his father and long-time Elkhorn School teacher Jim Shackel. All of the popcorn and soft drinks were free as Elks members looked after the refreshment booth while, on the floor, a number of mothers kept law and order as some children preferred to run around on the smooth floors of the hall. Every now and then there would be a flash of light in the semi darkness as children’s runners with the flashing lights gave away their location. After the movie a draw was held for the feature movie.
Soon there was a loud knock at the door – it was a surprise visit from Santa Claus who was being helped out by Charlie the Elk. A line of excited and shy children were ready for a pre-Christmas visit with Santa to give him their wish list. (In each of the children you could see the magic in their eyes and smiles that, as we get older, seems to get lost along the road of life.) Some would have a definite wish list and others were a bit awe struck.
One of the most special moments was when a child got off of Santa’s lap and gave him a parting hug, saying, “I love you Santa!”, while another child gave him a hand-written envelope in pencil, with the same words of love.
Memory Tree
Just after dark, the crowd began to gather at the main street memory tree park for the annual lighting, to remember those who are no longer with us.
Chairperson of the Elkhorn and Area Foundation Brenda Orr welcomed everyone and thanked them for their support of the Foundation since its start in 1998. She went on to say that in the New Year the Foundation will have its own website and newsletter. The website will make it easier to apply for grant applications and to make donations. Since its inception the grants to the area community groups have done much to help community development and quality of life.
At the lighting of the Memory Tree there were free hot dogs, hot chocolate and lots of home baked cookies. As people waited for the Christmas Parade to start, they could enjoy a bon fire in the former Bartley department store lot.
Fortunately, the evening was not too cold, but the walking was slippery. The street was lined with people waiting for the parade to start and small children bundled up in snow suits played at building snow forts. A steady stream of Christmas music added to the holiday mood.
Parade
Along the parade route came two of Santa’s Elves giving out holiday candy treats. The parade was a procession of lights and sounds with entries from local and area businesses, clubs and organizations that included the Elkhorn Antique auto Museum. The local greenhouse operator had a truck driven by a very talented zebra; with some ferrets sitting on the back tailgate waving at the crowd. The Elks Club float had Charlie the Elk on board waving at everyone with his hooves.
All too soon the parade was over. Unfortunately, the community sleigh ride had been cancelled, because of some government regulations. The purpose of the sleigh ride was to take people around the village to look at the Christmas lights on homes and business.
After the parade, many went to the local hotel to take part in the popular Chase the Ace hosted by the Elks Club. The pot did not go and is now over $24,000.
If there was a sad point in the evening, it was during the parade when the colorful floats went by the darkened former bank building which was always such a bright spot on the main street.
