Kelseyville’s Christmas in the Country in December was very memorable.

It was the first time in 20 years that Mother Nature rained on our parade. We desperately needed it but it did put a damper on the evening. What surprised me was how many people came out in the freezing wet weather to be a part of the event.

First things first: A huge thank you to all of Kelseyville’s friends who came out to decorate Main Street for the holidays on Nov. 16. Eric and Christie Schofield and Christie’s son Lucas, Dave Morse, Cooper Dodd, Vincent Price and Susan Martin, Helen Finch, Bob and Jeanette Bartley, Kathleen Ahart, Marilyn Holdenried, Ron Chips, Brenda Young, Barbara McIntyre, Eduardo Alatorre, Nick Buttitta,
Trena Pauly and a big thank you to Mike at Kelseyville Pizza for donating all the pizzas for lunch.

The big candle decorations on the light poles were put up by Bill Dawson, Jim Merriman and the Kelseyville Lions Club.

Main Street setup on the day of the event came together thanks to the hard work of Ernie Ostern, who built the candy cane parade barricades, stores them for us each year and helps us set them up. His patience and hard work was greatly appreciated. Thanks also to Kathleen Ahart and Sinda Knight.

We can’t thank Mike Linnell enough for all of his work as the parade coordinator. He does a great job every year and this year he had help from Walter and Wanda Herpe. Linnell starts in October sending out parade notices and also does the printing of the parade handouts.

This year because of the weather the parade was a little smaller, with snow falling on all sides of Kelseyville. I couldn’t believe how many participants showed up to make the parade spectacular. The floats were wonderful and everyone in the parade made the evening so much fun. Thanks to all of you. Only at a country parade like ours do people turn out no matter what the weather throws at us.

Again this year we want to thank the California Highway Patrol volunteers, Ed McDonald, Al Reynolds and John Wickersham, the CHP Explorers and Larry Caravario. Thanks for keeping us safe.

Westamerica Bank opened its doors for Santa, Rob Brown, who put smiles on all the little ones' faces. The photographer, Dawn Smith of Color Splash Photos, did a wonderful job and donated all the proceeds to Lake County foster children for Christmas gifts. God bless you.

We want to thank Carolyn Morris for allowing us to use her painting of “Kelseyville Parade” for our posters again this year. It depicts our Christmas in the Country so beautifully. Thanks also to David Neft for the music in the bank.

Kelseyville Fire House had our pretty live town Christmas tree looking bright and festive. Hopefully it’ll grow another foot or two next year. It has been so fun watching it grow each year.

We thank Kelseyville Presbyterian Church, St. Peter's Catholic Church and Kelseyville United Methodist and Unitarian Universalist Community for the food, singing and holiday joy and Marie at the Saw Shop Gallery Bistro for displaying the miniature quilts.

Cleanup after the parade, cold, tired and wet, I cannot thank all of you enough. Ernie Ostern; Marilyn Holdenried; Linda Goff; Tom and Cindy Goff and their children, Jessica, Raelyn and Tasha; and Dave Morse and Eric Schofield.

T he merchants did a wonderful job of inviting everyone in from the cold to visit and enjoy something warm to drink and goodies to eat. Our Main Street business owners are so amazing and friendly. They make everyone feel welcome.

Last but not least I want to thank our sponsors. Without their generosity we couldn’t have done it: Bob and Jeanette Bartley, Bob Bartley Pumps Inc.; Ruth Stewart, Kelseyville Pharmacy; Dallas Woll and Victoria, Roto Rooter of Lake County; Kelseyville Business Association, Pear Festival; Itzia Rico, Studebakers Coffee House & Deli; and Rian Sommerfield, Nestegg Investments.

One last time, I want to thank everyone who showed up for the parade, all the participants in the parade and the people that helped put on the event. It truly is “A Wonderful Life!”

Mary E. Morse is event coordinator for Christmas in the Country in Kelseyville, Calif.