If you didn’t show up early, you had a hard time finding a parking spot, and when you entered St. Joseph Hall, it was packed to the rafters, and few chairs were left.
Families sat listening to the music; couples held hands, and young children played quietly at the back as brothers and sister in Christ came to celebrate his birth with music. It was the 10th year for the Lincoln County Community Christmas Concert.
Cole Bradshaw did the opening prayer and Keith Larsen was Master of Ceremonies. The evening began with solos by Keith Larson, Jessica Truman, Theresa Dojaquez, Lenard Smith, and Rick Orr. Choirs from various local congregations performed, ending with the audience joining in singing “Joy to the World.” There was a closing prayer by Kevin Smith. This was followed by refreshment and a lot of visiting.
The concert is moved around between the Caliente churches. Program committee members are Holy Gatzke, Kristen Truman, and Keith Larsen. This is one of many things going on in Caliente during the season.
On Saturday, the Toys for Tots opened the doors at the Caliente Fire Hall as very special elves took names and ages of the excited kids waiting to get their presents and then to visit Santa. In the truck bay, there were tables loaded with toys for all ages. Having a guide elf to help the kids find the perfect toys was overwhelming to some of the kids, just looking from table to table and toy to toy, finally deciding on the ones they wanted before going out to sit on Santa’s lap. A very special thanks to everyone who helped make this a special time for the children in Lincoln County.
Toys for Tots was started in 1947 when Major Bill Hendrick, USMCR, and a Marine Reservist, founded the organization in LA. In 1948, the United States Marine Corps adopted Toys for Tots and expanded it into a nationwide community action project. Walt Disney designed the train logo for Toys for Tots and created their first poster.
