By Patty Austin
Christmas joy and good will filled the air in Wardensville on Saturday, December 7 when the community gathered at the carnival grounds for the 3rd annual Christmas Joy in Wardensville. People of all ages came for the fun, as businesses, churches, and organizations generously gave all kinds of goodies, all in the spirit of Christmas!
Santa and Mrs. Claus were accompanied by two jolly elves, and over 80 children told their secrets to Santa. Karen Findley again provided a beautiful stage setting for the North Pole visitors, and it was kindly set up by Charlie & Vickie Long and Tom & Patty Austin.
As the people strolled around the grounds they enjoyed great food and drinks – chili, hot dogs, pulled pork sandwiches, brownies, cookies, hot chocolate, coffee, cranberry cider, and the Boy Scouts offered s’mores. There were books, ornaments, toys, and drawings for gifts! There was a photo booth where children could decorate frames to put their photo in. Big Blue hosted their fun game of “Candy Cane Hole”. There was so much fun all around! Many thanks go to all those who gave so abundantly: The Kac-Ka-Pon Restaurant, Capon Valley Bank, the Town of Wardensville and the Wardensville Community Library, Marina’s Pizza, Pendleton Community Bank, Drifter’s Café, Capon Springs & Farms, E.A. Hawse, Farms Work Wonders, Twin Timbers Coffee and Creamery, Peacock Manufacturing, 7-Eleven, the Wardensville United Methodist Church, WordPlay, Big Blue, and Boy Scout Troop #81.
Billy Smith and the Capon Valley Volunteer Fire Department were instrumental in helping with set up and cooperation with the whole event. Boy Scout Troop #81 members offered help as folks set up their stations and later helped with clean-up.
G.L. Funk donated a beautiful tree for this event, and we are grateful! Steve Shook, Ed Klinovski, and Tom Austin got it to stand tall and teens from Big Blue decorated it. At 5:30 the crowd gathered at the tree for a brief ceremony. With a rousing countdown Arnold Heishman had the honor of lighting the tree to shine throughout the season!
Prizes were awarded to the winners of the decorating contests. Residential winners were Kris Holliday, 1st place; Margaret Orndorff, 2nd place; and Dave and Robin Smith, 3rd place. Business winners, outside or inside were Capon Valley Bank, 1st place; the Kac-Ka-Pon Restaurant, 2nd place; and Marina’s Pizza, 3rd place.
The Wardensville Lions Club sponsors this wonderful event and they are so thankful for all the kindness and sharing that overflowed so brilliantly for Christmas Joy. Many, many thanks to all who gave from their hearts with abundance to bring such wonderful joy to the community. We are grateful for good people, smiling children, and kind hearts.
