The little town of Orderville held a Main Street Light Parade to inaugurate its Light Celebration, heralding the Yuletide season with carol-singing at the Christmas tree lighting ceremony ignited by Christopher Esplin. Esplin also teamed-up with Verl Sawyer to decorate all the way along Highway 89.
Left to right, photos by Jerry Melrose:
Santa Claus and his Mrs. (Chuck and Marsha Eddy) accompanied by their elvish helper, Jingles (Christine Maxwell), share their joy of the season with the family of Valley High School basketball coach Owen and April Hoyt. Their little people are (l-to-r): Luke, Jack, Becca, Norah on Santa’s lap, Bella and Leah. “Merry Christmas!” says Santa, “I’m just so happy being here and be able to hear all the Christmas wishes that the kids want. And I hope they can all come true!”
Mikkel and Jaden Reck portray Mary and Joseph viewing the Baby Jesus accompanied by trailblazer Bridger Shakespeare on Kanab Drug and Soda Fountain’s “VISION ON THE TRAIL” float pulled by Dave Shakespeare.
The Archie’s Diner float in the Town of Orderville’s Light Celebration as Asa Jones (red jacket) waves to the crowd with his brother Harvey (black jacket, left) along with their brother Ryan. Also aboard are Tyson and Maddie Figgins.
Topping off the evening festivities was an appearance of Santa and Mrs. Claus, accompanied by their naughty and nice list-checking assistant Jingles, direct from the North Pole. Refreshments of hot chocolate and donuts were served at the pavilion to warm hands and hearts.
Marianne Leigh, recent retiree following a 30-year teaching career (27 of which mentoring third-grade pupils at Valley Elementary) shares her inspiration for bringing it about, “When I was a child growing-up in Orderville, what I remembered at Christmastime was that love and community involvement at Christmastime. So, I wanted to continue that tradition in the valley by the people who live here, and for those visiting and those [who have] moved-in, so they can feel that love, and sense of belonging to a small community. I pray that’s a tradition we can continue every year.”
