Baby, It was COLD outside

But that didn't stop the crowd from showing up for last night's Christmas Festival at Highland Groves. About 100 folks came to hang out and win a few prizes, dance, eat some cookies, and meet each other. The Big Guy in Red was busy with the last minute toy preparations, but Mrs. Clause was kind enough to stop by for a visit. Early in the evening, before talking to the kids and reading them stories, she was getting her groove on with the DJ:



Cookie decorating (and eating) is always a hit:


And I served about 8 gallons of hot chocolate. I was accused of being too generous with the whipped cream; oops. My personal bias is that the whipped cream is the best part of hot chocolate.


There were ceramics of all sizes and shapes to be painted, and The Mister said there were a couple of teenaged gals who spent quite a while getting theirs perfect. Here's a sample of what was available:


But without a doubt, the best entertainment of the evening was watching the kids dance and do contests with the DJ. It would be so phenomenal to bottle up some of that energy for this season. This picture was taken early in the evening before the dance floor was packed; but I guarantee you some of those kids didn't stop for the entire two hours. There were lots of prizes, and lots of winners.


Thanks to all the residents who participated and thanks to Deidre, Cathy and Mick for all the hard work of putting it together. I am happy to see these festivals grow bigger and bigger each time we do one; it increases the energy. And yet, there is still the neighborly feel. Gotta love it.