The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

Thanks to the Big Sandy CSI organization for another Christmas celebration. It started early. Santa waited patiently for his first visit at the Mint. When I got there, the place was packed.

After I took a picture and I went down to the Bear Paw Coffee Shop and ordered a coffee. A small child came in, and I asked if they wanted to see Santa, they asked where and I told them at the Mint. They said, "The bar?" Yes, it has Big Sandy flair!

Vendors started carrying their wares shortly after 8:00, at both the Big Sandy Museum and Big Sandy City Hall because although the Bazar doesn't begin till 9:00, people started selling by at 8:30.

Saturday was the last day to buy a ticket for the gun raffle. Sherri Moore wrote, "So humbled by the generosity of this community. Dad (Ron Otto) and Duke (Aaron Pursley) of Little Sharps Rifle Manufacturing donated this pistol raffle off for Rusty and Diane Sparks to cover some costs of their stay at the Mayo Clinic. Over $25,000 was raised! Thank you to all who purchased or donated! Your generosity is greatly appreciated."

FFA Alumni also had a raffle; Helen Richter and Dana Gasvoda won 1/2 pig donated by Lance Rutledge. Marion Colling won 1/2 a beef donated by Amy Wortman. Kelly Rutledge gave the processing fee.

The FFA had Christmas trees for sale. They were lined up against the bowling alley wall. The trees were cut on Saturday, so they are fresh! Beautiful trees and there are still some for sale.

I spent my time at the Mountaineer open house and thoroughly enjoyed visiting with people about the paper, and Big Sandy's student's artwork that was on display. Everyone was very impressed, and many asked if they were for sale. They aren't at this time, but some will be in the future. Their art will be on display at the Mountaineer till after Christmas.

Craig Edwards studio was busy all day, with many stopping in to see and visit Shari Jenkins Schmit, whose art is on display at the gallery. Her artwork will be there until the first of the year.

Big Sandy Senior Citizen's Center had Grinch everything. They had a large baked goods table for sale and offered a spaghetti dinner.

The Christmas Cocktail throw down was won this year by the Diamond 4 U club and Casino with a drink called Jingle Juice.

The parade of lights was led by the flag float, followed by Big Sandy adults dressed in Christmas costumes. The winner of the floats was Garret Ophus with the Grinch riding atop of a sled filled with all the Christmas presents and goodies, covered by a tarp with lights. Receiving 2nd place was the Sunshine snippers, with several inflatables and lights in the theme of Grinchmas. Winning 3rd was the Big Sandy Fire Department. The Boy Scouts of America's float remembered the servicemen and women of America with the front of the float representing families at home on Christmas, and the back of the float represented those in service away from home. It was appropriate considering the day was Dec 7th. Pearl Harbor was attacked, and the start of WWII should be remembered on Dec 7th.

The Costume Contest was held immediately after the parade. Lila Butler took first place

in the children's category with a costume looking like the Grinch's dog, taking first place in the high school were, in two look-alike snowmen costumes. Winning the adult contest was Micki Morey dressed and acting like Aunt Bethany from Christmas Vacation. And the group contest was won by Cain and Lena Ray,. At the sleigh auction, the highest bid was for $250 fro Renee Hansen's sleigh.

Josh Danreuther won the $1,000 gift from Valley Furniture