Superior gets into the spirit of Christmas

When the crowd started gathering, there was maybe an inch of snow which turned to light rain for the Christmas tree lighting that took place in Superior on Saturday night.

But a cheerful crowd paid no attention as it was great to meet new people and visit old friends again. 

This is the second year for the event and is the brainchild of Julie Prater. She and her husband Steve moved to the area about 13 years ago but Julie is a 4th generation Montanan. 

They own Arrow Construction and the Hilltop Motel which was totally remodeled and updated from a devasting fire a few years ago. 

This festive idea came to her after reading discouraging remarks about the lack of Christmas decorations and spirit in Superior on Facebook. That stung. So, grabbing the bull by the horns, she convinced businesses to participate by helping with the cost of lights that were about to be ordered and to assist with the heavy lifting prior to and after the celebration with volunteerism. 

And did she ever develop a devoted bunch of her own Santa’s Helpers! Year two was just as marvelous.

Darlows ACE Hardware had warm beverages and were giving out toys and Santa hats to the kids while under their canopy, AnnaMarie White was selling Christmas wreaths that whiffed of freshly cut timber. 

“Buffy Kelly and I are selling the wreaths at $20.00 each for the 4H Archery program,” she explained. “All of our girls are in it.” This program introduces and teaches archery skills using a recurve bow that is growing in popularity since the 4H Air Gun program is in standby mode.

Several fire rings and barrels were full of blazing Doug Fir for warming oneself or making s’mores. The line to talk with Santa stretched from the River Street sidewalk and up the courthouse steps but elves were strategically placed to handle the kid-cluster. 

Residents from Alberton to Saltese were enjoying themselves as Christmas music was contributed by Guy Betts, CEO of Fun Guy DJ Services and this was a big part of the festivities. The chair that Santa Claus himself sat in was newly built by Jeff Schultz’s woodworking class at Superior High School. 

“I just sent him (Schultz) a picture of one I really liked on Pinterest, and he made this one exactly like it!” said White. “White Horse Forestry donated all of the materials and it’s incredible,” she chuckled. 

People will see the Santa Chair at several locations during the Christmas season as Santa will be making more appearances. Naomi Mesenbrink, owner and Trail Boss of the Phun-E Farm in DeBorgia had a canopy at the front entrance of Trail West Bank with Dana Samson, Volunteer Sales Manager, from Dry Creek showcasing the products that were being sold. 

“We have ducks, chickens, bees, you name it. We’re nonprofit and everything that we make money on goes into a fund for student scholarships,” Mesenbrink explained. 

Fresh mistletoe from Oregon was being sold for $5 for a big bunch along with homemade and educational gifts, gluten free cookies and organic lip balm. For clarification of the aforementioned fowl, it is only the eggs that are sold and her apiaries produce the bees wax that she renders herself for the lip balm. 

“And here’s the kicker,” she states. “If anyone has a nut allergy, they can still use this. Most lip balms have nut oil in them. My husband is allergic to tree nuts so he can’t use lotions or lip balms because shea butter is made from a shea tree nut.” 

She said that her adult disabled son has extremely sensitive skin and he’s allergic to perfumes and dyes so these products that have jojoba and mango butter in them fill the need.

The Girl Scout Juliettes of Mineral County are sponsoring Operation Christmas Child Shoebox and Jill Betts, manager of Darlow’s ACE Hardware, was helping big-time Saturday evening providing the coffee, hot chocolate, apple cider, prizes and coordination. Donations and purchases went to the project as the OCCS corporate shoeboxes were being handed out. 

“We’re having fun this year, but last year was tough as we were doing something that none of us had tried to do before,” Betts said. 

When asked what triggered her to become so involved, she said, “So, Julie Prater and I are friends. Last year when she was putting this event together, I ordered all of the lights through ACE,” replied Betts, as she was filling another air pot of coffee. 

“All of the businesses came through and this year it’s been a lot smoother as we have the lights and moved this station over to here (Trail West Bank parking lot).”  

The crowd seemed to increase as the 6 o'clock hour approached and the light rain was now a drizzle, at most. 

“This would not have happened if it were not for Jill (Betts),” said White. “She’s been wearing a lot of hats between the 4H Archery and Operation Shoebox. Getting this all set up for tonight and the wreaths. Plus, everything that she does at ACE, and all of their help!” 

Guy Betts, Fun Guy DJ took control of the mic and everyone joined in on a countdown. Suddenly, all of the lights blinked on and there was a loud cheer. It was beautiful! People remained and continued to enjoy the event for another 30 minutes.

    Sheriff's Office deputies visit with Santa Claus. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)
  

    Fires kept everyone warm and worked well for making s’mores at the Christmas Tree Lighting in Superior. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)
  

    There’s nothing like forgetting what you want for Christmas when you finally get to talk with Santa. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)
  

    Naomi Mesenbrink, owner of The Phun-E Farm in DeBorgia, might have had the most exuberant merchant Saturday at the Christmas Tree Lighting in Superior. Volunteer Dana Samson realizes that she’s probably going to have to break down their booth by herself. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)
  

    The decked out steps of the Mineral County Courthouse made for the perfect festive back drop for Santa photos. (Mineral Independent/Amy Quinlivan)
  

    Warming barrels were provided during this year's Tree Lighting Celebration in Superior which helped take the chill off and allowed folks to mingle and drink their free hot cocoa. (Mineral Independent/Amy Quinlivan)