Christmas -- a time for young and old alike
By Keith Marang
COCCC Web Master
This is the first year I was able to attend a COCCC Christmas parade and
party. When I told my children that we would be in a Christmas Parade they were very excited. In fact, they had a hard time getting to sleep
the night before the event.
The cars were all nestled, in the parking lot there, while we waited for the rain to stop, falling from the air!
We all dressed warm and climbed in the ’56. It was a rainy morning, but
the Christmas spirit could still be felt around us as we pulled into the
church parking lot with the rest of the club.
I found great joy in watching the faces of my children as they took in
all the different attractions that were lining up nearby for the parade.
I could sense that same fascination in the faces of the adults too.
My sons Andy in front, and Colin in back, were ready to go! I was
pleased to see that John Dragoo had his ’57 back on the road. That new
V-8 sure sounds sweet, and draws quite a crowd.
Many of the members decorated their automobiles.
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Photo by Keith Marang
Andy Marang mans the front seat of dad’s 1956 as Colin Marang covers the
back seat duties.
Photo by Keith Marang
Many decorated their cars. Here is what Larry and Annette Myers ’55
convertible
looked like when they arrived with their grandchildren.
Photo by Keith Marang
John Dragoo had his '57 back on the road. That new V8 sure sounds sweet,
and draws quite a crowd.
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Photo by Keith Marang
It was a rainy morning, but the Christmas spirit could still be felt as
we pulled into the church parking lot with the rest of the club. I found great joy in watching the faces of my children as they took in all
the different attractions that were lining up nearby for the parade. I could sense that same fascination in the faces of the adults too.
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One thing that we learned this year is to bring more candy for the
children along the parade route. My boys tried to pace themselves, but
still ran out of candy early in the parade.
Photo by Keith Marang
Curtis Welch got a tree skirt.
Photo by Keith Marang
Jonnie Clemons pulls out her present.
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At one point we saw a group of firemen standing in front of their station watching the parade. My youngest son Colin asked if he could go give them some candy too. I thought was cute idea, and off he went. It was very sweet, and all the firemen that the biggest kick out of this six-year-old boy running over to give them candy! A moment later the firemen were again treated by Patti Gunter’s granddaughter.
After the parade was over it was about time for the Christmas party. The boys and I thought Cattlemen’s steakhouse did a nice job decorating. Before the party began my oldest son Andy got educated on the use of snuff by our club president, David Reeds!
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Photo by Keith Marang
Kay Welch got a nice piece of art.
Photo by Keith Marang
Rodney Duerksen opens his present with a certain amount of suspicion
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Photo by Keith Marang
Cici Monroe smiles as she tries to figure out what she got. |
Everyone watching was aghast until they realized it was only beef jerky!
Throughout the dinner and dirty Santa gift exchange David’s humor was ever-present. He did a good job of keeping things moving. Kay Welch should be commended for being a good "Santa’s helper."
Another highlight that I recall was when Curtis Welch opened a gift and found a tree skirt. Curtis was not so sure it was meant for a tree!
Since this was my first time at the Christmas party I do not know what it was like in the previous years. I overheard many people saying how nice it was to have children involved in the dirty Santa exchange this year. There were a total of five children present. All I know, is that
my children and I had a wonderful day with my friends from the COCCC.
I must admit that I never realized my children could sit still and be quiet for over two hours at a time! They just sat there, totally involved in the humor, Christmas spirit of giving, hoping and praying that their name would be called next to open a gift.
Thank you everyone for a wonderful time.
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Photo by Keith Marang
Keith Marang's two sons Andy and Colin join Ken Buchanan,
Linda & Richard Bahr and Mel Harris at one of the Christmas party tables.
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