Westside Stories

The Christmas season is upon us.

I love Christmas time! The lights, the decorations, the fun activities and events, and time to spend with family and friends. One thing we've done at our place is we've hung a huge Christmas star between our two concrete silos. It can be seen by all driving through Grays River at night.

Our community knows how to celebrate spirit of the season. There are several events in the next few weeks to enjoy.

The West Wahkiakum Farmers Market is hosting a Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, December 7 in the cafeteria and hallways at Johnson Park Community Center from 12–4 pm. Local vendors will be offering décor, wreaths, crafts, quilts, jewelry, ceramics, art, baked goods, food, and more. This is their last event of the year.

Also on December 7, the Grays River Grange is hosting an Art Show featuring local artists Krsto Novoselic, Gail Wahlstrom, Noreen Fitts, Sandra Prucha and Carol Ervest at the Grays River grange from 12-4 p.m.

The Finnish American Folk Festival has three events on Sunday, December 8. Starting at 1 p.m. is the annual Christmas concert at the historic Deep River Pioneer Lutheran Church. Mike Swanson will serve as MC for the concert, and he will share a bit of history and current information about the church. Musical performances include "Kaksi Mummoa" or Two Grandmas, a duet with Marilyn Johnson and Serena Travis. The Finnish American Folk Festival Choir will sing "Hoosianna", and Skamokawa Swamp Opera will perform a few festive numbers. A few classic Christmas carols will be sung at the end.

Later in the afternoon on December 8 at the Naselle Community Center, there is a Soup Supper from 3–5 pm. Soups being offered include chili, chicken noodle, butternut squash, clam chowder, vegetarian chili, and taco soup. Donations to FAFF are appreciated.

Lastly on December 8 at 5 p.m., after the Soup Supper, is the Christmas tree lighting in the Naselle Community Center parking lot. As the tree is lit, the Naselle High School band will play a few songs, and carols will be sung.

On December 10, the Grays River Grange will host their Christmas party at 6:30 p.m. A meal will be provided. Please bring a dish if you are able, but it is not necessary. If children are attending with you, please bring a wrapped gift so Santa can provide them with a Christmas present during the festivities.

Later in the month, on Sunday, December 15 there are two fun events in Naselle. The Tour of Homes will take place from 12–3:30 pm. There are five homes on the tour this year, all within Naselle. This is always a great opportunity to see how others decorate for the holidays and get a glimpse into some wonderful homes. Tickets and tour maps are available for $5.00 at Finn Ware in Astoria and Hair Villa in Naselle. Tickets will also be available for purchase at the Deep River Church concert and at the Soup Supper.

Also on December 15 is the 3rd Annual Naselle Lighted Christmas Parade on Knappton Road. This is such a fun event and is growing bigger every year. Line-up for floats will begin at 4 p.m., and the parade will begin at 5 p.m. I will include additional information in next week's column for participants and spectators. Registration for parade participants is available at http://www.nasellefinnfest.com. Appelo Archives is having pictures with Santa in the Archives Café after the parade.

And lastly, on December 18 at 12 p.m. is the Rosburg Hall Senior Lunch Christmas potluck. Please bring a dish to share. The raffle drawing for the fundraiser gift baskets will be held during the potluck.

Naselle Comets end of football season

Making it all the way to the semi-finals, the football season came to an end this past Saturday as the Comets lost to Wilbur-Creston-Keller in a hard-fought game, 52-28. With a record of 11-1, congratulations are in order for a well-played season!

Westside Happenings

December

7 Holiday Bazaar at Johnson Park

Community Center, 12-4 p.m.

7 Art Show at Grays River Grange, 12-4 p.m.

8 Christmas Concert@Deep River Church,

1 p.m.

8 Naselle Community Center Soup Supper & Tree Lighting, 3-5:30 p.m.

10 Grays River Grange Christmas Party,

6:30 p.m.

11 Gray River Flood Control District Meeting, 5:30 p.m.

15 FAFF Tour of Homes, 12-3:30 p.m.

15 3rd Annual Naselle Lighted Christmas Parade, 5 p.m.

15 Appelo Archives Pictures with Santa, after the parade

17 Naselle-Grays River Valley School District Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

18 Rosburg Hall Senior Lunch Christmas

potluck, 12 p.m.

To include an event on the calendar or to give feedback, please contact me at writerlisayeager@outlook.com. You can also follow me on Facebook @ Writer Lisa Yeager.