The weather may have been mild, but residents were in a holiday mood when they met with Santa at the Poland Christmas party.
The jolly elf arrived by fire engine at the Kennedy Fire Hall to listen to listen to the fondest wishes of local children.
Kennedy Pride and the Poland Recreation Committee co-hosted the event. All the activities made for many happy faces. Tom Ormond once again provided hay rides around the downtown area. Inside the fire hall, holiday music played in the background while partygoers had homemade chili and cookies of many varieties. Santa gave toys and candy to his friends and pictures were taken with him as well.
Article Photos
Santa Claus hears a Christmas list from a child at the Poland Christmas Party.
Photos by Rose Mary Carver
Winners of the Christmas lighting contest sponsored by Kennedy Pride were announced. Eunice Speta said members were pleased with the number of entries for this first year of the event and also that their participants came from many parts of the town. Judges has a difficult choice to pick the winners. "Over the Top" was awarded to Brian Robbins on Mud Creek Road. The best religious display was that of Julie Peterson on Miller Valley Road.
The award for most original display was given to Steve and Bonita Wallace on Second Street. The most whimsical category was won by Gordon and Delores Overturf on Sprague Hill Road. Prizes for the categories were provided by Sam Conti's Auto Repair, Yarn for Ewe, Country Lane, The Pad and Kennedy Pride.
As the party came to its close for another year, a very moving tradition took place. Ann Bloomquist, head of the recreation committee, assisted by Joanie Thomas and Mrs. Claus, read the names of people who had been remembered by a memorial ornament, as the ornaments were hung on the tree. Money raised from the sales of the ornaments are being put toward the purchase of playground for Hallquist Park.
After the party, the tree was taken to the town hall, where it is on display through the holidays. The ornaments can be picked up from the town clerk's office.