Lots of folks helped make Christmas on Limestone happen

Dear Editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to some very special people who assisted in making Christmas On Limestone a big success.

Joe and Shirley Randolph spent hours decorating the Michael Gaffney log home. They adorned the cabin with greenery, berries and other trimmings carefully gathered from the woods at their farm. The Randolphs also dressed in period costume and served as host and hostess - guiding guests through the home and roasting marshmallows.

Mr. Jim Cudd arranged for the duo of Mark Weems and Julee Glaub to entertain during the festivities. "Little Windows" filled the air with their blending of Irish and Appalachian music to the front porch of the Gaffney cabin.

Middle school students from the Village School of Gaffney came over to the Visitor's Center and decorated our Christmas tree. The students trimmed the tree with strings of popcorn, cranberries and homemade ornaments and gingerbread cookies that still smell freshly baked.

The Village School also sponsored this year's Festival of Trees in Gaffney's City Hall.

This dazzling display has been a tremendous hit with the citizens of Gaffney and is sure to become an annual event. Students from the school sang as the Festival of Trees began - serving as the perfect backdrop.

Glenda Hartzog, Linda Stepp and Gaye Guthrie decorated the city's 25-foot-tall cedar Christmas tree. The official lighting of the tree was truly spectacular because of the efforts of these three ladies.

We would like to thank Loretta O'Donald for arranging and organizing all of the fun activities of the evening. This was indeed a mammoth task to undertake and Loretta did a fantastic job bringing everything all together.

Members of Cherokee Alliance of Visual Artists (CAVA) served refreshments, conducted tours through the art gallery and CAVA member Nancy Elliott helped visiting children create handmade ornaments.

Last, but certainly not least, we would like to thank all those city employees who worked tirelessly to help us with all of the downtown Christmas events. We would not have been able to make this evening happen without your hard and enthusiastic work.

Thanks again to you all. We are looking forward to next year's Christmas On Limestone already with great anticipation.

Happy Holidays.

Sincerely,

Pat Throneburg Program Coordinator

City of Gaffney