“…do not weary of doing good.” 2 Thessalonians 6: 13

Because of the high winds last Friday, the “Merry on Maine” event was suddenly changed to Sunday because our school teams had to play basketball at the Hi-Plains school Saturday. As you may imagine, many people, vendors, and entertainer’s schedules were turned topsy-turvy for the weekend. But Sunday, Santa Claus did come to Eads. Santa arrived on the big blue train engine that has the bold colorful Colorado flag design on each side. There were a large crowd of families and people of all ages who waited by the 14 Street and Maine Street crossing. When I returned from Kit Carson at mid-afternoon, I was glad to see the “Merry on Maine” in full swing. I was so delighted see Maine Street filled with people meandering around the other vendors, enjoying foods from Charlie and Mary Vasquez and Joey’s Taco food truck operated by the Hernandez family. In the middle of Maine there was a Corn Hole tournament in progress and children playing. Valorie Briggs told me about some of the delightful happenings in the town park beside the huge blow-up locomotive. The library ladies, Kemma Eikenberg and Valorie Briggs, assisted Claire Prince with some of the activities, like craft making and other fun activities. Debi Derby had wonderful wooden take-home crafts. Some other vendors I remember were three ladies from Wiley and Granada with jewelry, Cory Crow with cement type art pieces, and the Darryl and Kay Hollis family.

The talent show was a totally packed audience! Afterward, when I was telling organizer Claire Prince thank you for such a grand show, I had tears of joy falling. I will not type titles, but here is a list of participants: Jett Deines-Piano; Kalen Gooden-Piano; Waylon, Brody, and Rowena Eikenberg-Singers; Kyce Gooden-piano; Charlie Prince-Piano; Jamie Crocket-singer-guitarist; Kyce Gooden-singer; Harry Lynch-stand-up comedy; Miles Frey-Piano; singer trio of Jesslynn Johnson, Charlie Prince and Connie Gregory; Joel Splitter-Guitarist; Stephen Bates-Voice Impressions, Singers: Wyatt Van Campen, Tess Van Campen, Aspen Muelbouer and Brenley McLoud, Kytan Gooden-piano; Jared Splitter-guitarist; Brasen Wollert and Garren Wollert-comedy singers; six “treble bangers” from the Eads High boys basketball team; Spencer Uhland; Porter Spady; Case Nelson; Connor Wollert; Stockton Mitchek; Brently Lening; and Colin Nelson (the Grinch). They were really a big hit.

It was so beautiful to see the lighting of the Christmas tree, the parade of lights around so many lovely homes and business, places and to hear Trent Rittger’s DJ music. I felt as if we were a part of a Hallmark Christmas movie.

The Christmas Bazaar at the Cobblestone Inn did happen for two days. We met three new artisans who have moved to Eads and offered attractive items at reasonable prices. One lady turned out to be my new neighbor, Mandi Hollen of Maine. Mandi is a dog groomer and crafter. Another vendor was Charlie Sorter who makes extravagant wreaths. Shannon Winder of Fowler, who has a daycare service, was another vendor. I enjoyed visiting with former students Abby Sheridan, Melody Mitchell, Natalie Mitchell and Sophie Mitchell. Other vendors were Brenda Stoker, Corynn Deverman, and Elise Crockett. 

The pretty holiday lighted snowman scene with the large star and reindeer appeared at the beginning of Advent in the Horseshoe Park. Ray Crow was wise to ask a reliable citizen, Roland Sorensen, to set it up each year. It must warm Ray’s daughter, Connie Shotton’s, heart to see the holiday scene that used to grace her parent’s yard. Last week’s Kiowa County Press had a night photo of this. 

Town workers set out other wooden figures around the Eads Town Hall and the roadside park on Highway 287.

The Eads Future Business Leaders of America club, with Denise Nelson, had a large silent auction. Their proceeds from selling wreaths were to be given to the county library. 

The next two concerts are the Eads Elementary School concert December 8 at 6:30 p.m.; and Sunday, December 11, “Sing in the Season” at the Praise Community Church.

The basketball Border Wars is this weekend in Syracuse and Herndon, Kansas. Do check the times and places before driving across the border for three days. 

Next week, December 15 through 17, will be the holiday basketball tournament in Lamar. 

Wrestlers and their fans drove to Fowler last Saturday. This week they will be in Limon.  

The High Plains All-Conference 6-Man football teams have been announced. Congratulations to the parents and their talented sons of Eads. First Team are Porter Spady and Bo Arnold. On the Second Team from Eads are Stockton Mitchek, Keenan Smith, and Conner Wollert.

Our community extends our sincere sympathy to the families of Don Pfingston. His memorial service was held Monday morning at the Eads Cemetery.

The Kiowa County fair board has openings for more members. There is a need for some people to step up to write a letter of interest to the County Commissioners. I know there are some former exhibitors, 4-H members, and Future Farmers of America members who are capable of this responsibility. The board meet once per month.

The long months of repair and construction of passing zones on Highway 287 between Lamar and Kit Carson is so worth the cost.

 Live joyfully.