More WinterFest on top

Wasn’t last Saturday a wonderful day for our community? WinterFest offers so many activities; there truly is something for everyone.

There was breakfast with Sponge Bob, the 12 days of Christmas holiday walk, carriage rides, Parade of Lights, Santa Claus, the festival of trees, beautiful music at the courthouse and “Merry Christmas, Mr. Bailey.” People walking down the street greeting each other, busy stores, the jingling of Christmas bells, and lots of talking and laughter all created a genuine sense of community.

But WinterFest is not over.

Here’s a line-up of the WinterFest activities running through Dec. 13.

There are still four performances of “Merry Christmas, Mr. Bailey,” a play based on “It’s a Wonderful Life.” You can see the production on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 5-6 and 12-13. All performances are at 8 p.m. in the auditorium at the Jay County Courthouse. This show is a 1940s radio play featuring music of the era, local commercials, a lot of humor and the heartwarming story of George Bailey. This Crying Baby production is a holiday treat you won’t want to miss. Tickets are available at all area financial institutions, at the Chamber of Commerce, or at the door as long as they are available.

The Holiday Home Tour, featuring five beautifully decorated homes, will run from noon to 5 p.m. on Dec. 6. Tickets and maps are available at all financial institutions and the Chamber of Commerce.

The Festival of Trees will be available for viewing on the second and third floors of the courthouse until Dec. 6 at 7 p.m., at which time they will be sold at a public auction.

Also on Dec. 6 there will be a live nativity at the old fire station at 118 N. Commerce St. There will be shows at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. This 20-minute play will be presented by Westchester United Methodist Church. This will be a really special family event. It is free to the public.

Wow! Don’t ever let anyone tell you that there is nothing to do in Portland during the holiday season.

Thanks to the WinterFest 2003 committee for all of the many, many hours of planning the WinterFest events. Thanks to our wonderful media and event sponsors and those businesses that provided and decorated the beautiful trees. And we say a special thanks to the community for participating in the WinterFest 2003 events.

Happy holidays,

Vicki Tague, executive

director, Portland Area

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