By the time you read this, Christmas 2016 will be history. A new year is upon us and, hopefully, when the electoral votes will be officially counted, the chaotic presidential election process will be finalized. Do we dare hold our breath? Time will tell.
But let us move on to reminisce a bit on the Holy season just past. This 'cuff will center on activities in Gravette which seemed to be extraordinary this year. The events in every Eagle Observer town, no matter how large or small, have been enjoyed, especially by children. That is particularly important since memories of childhood are such an important part in forming pictures that will be remembered for life. In some years, the joy of the season can be especially meaningful.
In Gravette, a special program of gospel Christmas music by a group of Gravette boys, from years gone by, was of particular significance. The four, Don (Bubba) Donell, Lee Donell, Bruce Wilbanks and Steve Tucker, returned to their hometown where, some 40 years ago while in high school, they formed a group called The Sonshine Quartet. They presented a two-hour-plus concert which brought back memories to the crowd who filled the GHS Performing Arts Center. Their accompanist, Jon Pickup, was still at the piano and later in the program as their high school choir director, Sharon Norberg, worked her magic on the piano keys. It was a joyful evening.
The following day, the city and chamber of commerce joined in sponsoring a late afternoon annual Christmas parade which featured several floats, the high school band and other entries. The Christmas joy continued in spite of a damp and gray setting as the parade moved along its usual route, down Main Street, where kids enjoyed picking up candy while the holiday decorations sparkled overhead. The parade ended at the Gravette Historical Museum, which hosted a holiday open house. There Santa and Mrs. Santa greeted scores of kids, who also enjoyed making ornaments at a craft table. If you were not among the many adults who attended, you missed free hot chocolate served by the Gravette Senior Activity Center, cookies and a cup of Mike von Ree's famous chili. Bob and Sandy Kelley acted as Mr. and Mrs. Kindley, builders of the century-old home which houses the museum. Visitors toured the home and enjoyed seasonal cello music by a talented teen, Lauren Leonard.
Several days later, a special treat was a visit to Gravette by the Kansas City Southern Holiday Express, which parked adjacent to Centennial Park from four to after nine in the evening. A line of families with children, and others, stretched several blocks to visit the train, Santa and the other activities in the joyfully decorated park. A number left early because of the cold afternoon that turned into darkness, but almost 3,000 people, or more, were present.
To conclude the evening, Gravette Main Street merchants revived an old-favorite event. They opened their doors to greet local and area residents who strolled along enjoying the decorations and singing and dancing presentations which added joy to the evening that ended about eight.
Another of the features on Main Street was the display of artwork by hundreds of school children. Their colorful Christmas season drawings covered many of the downtown windows and, if you missed seeing and appreciating the talent and imagination of our children, some of the artwork may still be in place inviting you to "come, look and see."
This has been a lengthy report on only one city's activities which, by the way, also included school and church functions on special dates. Other towns and communities held celebrations and special events, many of which have been reported and pictured in the Eagle Observer.
An abrupt change of direction: Let's move ahead to a peaceful and positive new year where all of the pros and cons of the past few months are swept, not under the rug, but out the door into the void of useless unimportance.
The sense of audacity that has marred the hope of a weary society must be replaced with patience, understanding, forgiveness and forgetfulness ... so the beauty of a fulfilling hope can become the greatest of blessings for our nation ... a hope that can bring joy to all and for the many generations which will follow.
Dodie Evans is the former owner and long-time editor of the Gravette News Herald. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 12/28/2016