Some places just know how to get you in the Christmas Spirit! On Saturday night, December 6, in Middlebourne the street filled up with people as the town put on a great display of Christmas joy, with an old fashioned community gathering. The fire hall was filled with joy and laughter as kids and adults enjoyed games and face decorating. The senior center offered a free community dinner from 4-6 pm and the town gazebo was a gathering place with music and free hot chocolate and cookies for all. The town Christmas tree, decorated with bulbs and cards paying tribute to local veterans was a site to behold.

As the crowd grew in anticipation of the annual parade, little ones could be seen anxiously waiting on Santa Claus to appear. At 6 pm the first glimpse of parade participants appeared as local fire trucks and EMS vehicles traveled down Main Street. The 30 minute long parade had plenty to offer as the local youth league basketball teams rode through tossing candy to parade goers. Church groups rode by waving and throwing out goodies, while displaying the message of the reason for the season.

A few cars carried fair and festival queens and a couple civic groups, the boy scouts and 4-H club members helped make up the parade. Last but certainly not least was the Tyler Consolidated high school marching band playing Christmas music to the delight of all. Following the parade many children made their way to the local fire hall to meet Santa Claus and let him know their Christmas wishes.

All in all it was a chilly but delightful evening in the county seat as they geared up for the big day on the 25th.