MEDORA
Ava Jayne Brewer has always looked forward to Dec. 25.
Not only is it Christmas, but it’s her birthday, too.
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This year, when she turns 6 and celebrates her sixth Christmas, she knows what she wants.
“Two baby puppies,” the Medora STEM Academy kindergartner said.
“That’s why she wants two puppies — one for birthday and one for Christmas,” her father, Seth Brewer, said, smiling.
Seth and his wife, Carrie, took note of their daughter’s request while standing outside the Medora Library on Friday night after the town’s Christmas tree was lit for the first time this season.
The trio were among 12 members of Medora Pentecostal Church who sang Christmas songs before the tree’s multicolored lights were turned on. After the tree was lit, Carrie was part of a smaller group that led the nearly 40 attendees in singing popular Christmas carols.
The tree lighting ceremony is a Friday night tradition of the annual Medora Christmas Festival.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic this year, however, the festival, which typically is on the first Saturday in December and includes a parade, vendors, entertainment and several activities, was canceled.
Friday’s ceremony, a holiday lights contest and letters to Santa are the only activities being conducted.
The Brewers are appreciative of the festival committee’s efforts to still offer something for the community.
“We’re just thankful that they asked us to be a part of it,” Seth said. “We definitely want to support it in any way we can. I think it’s important for us as a church to do something for the town to help just get involved with the town. This year has been crazy. Our mission for our church is building lives and bringing hope. I think this year definitely, people need some hope, especially around this time of year, too.”
Carrie said a group message was sent to church members inviting them to participate, and she was thankful for those who showed up.
“I think it’s important for the community to know that they have our support,” she said.
Christmas may look a little different this year, too, but the Brewers choose to look at it in a positive way.
“I think it has drawn people closer together, even in times when you have to stay apart. It has still brought people together,” Seth said.
“I think it will make people appreciate their families a little bit more and kind of hold tight to everyone, just be thankful for the time we do have together,” Carrie said.
Rachel Ault, president of the festival committee, said Friday night’s turnout was really good.
“Each year, I think it grows a little more,” she said. “We were kind of worried with the coronavirus if people would actually come out because it’s always cold this time of year. I was pleased with the turnout.”
It was important to the committee to offer what it could this year.
“We had to call the parade, but we went ahead and wanted to do the tree lighting, and we decorated the town — the little things we could do without a lot of people,” Ault said.
Nick Walden and Betty Hill decorated the Christmas tree this year. Ault said the tree was planted years ago by Bill Drees Sr., who was heavily involved in the festival. He died unexpectedly Oct. 25, so Ault asked everyone at Friday’s ceremony to remember him.
A second tree was planted last year, so it also was lit for the first time of the season Friday night.
“You never know when one’s going to fail and you need backup,” Ault said. “We had bagworm in this (larger) tree, and we got really worried, but it still looks good. We put new lights on this year. We got bigger bulbs. We spent a little money on it this year.”
The holiday lights contest is open to all residents within town limits. No entry is necessary.
On Thursday, festival committee members will go around town and choose the top three displays. First place will receive $100, second place will get $75 and third place will be given $50. The winners will be notified and announced on the festival’s Facebook page.
“I think a lot of people did participate with the lights this year because they are stuck at home,” Ault said. “We actually even beefed up our prizes a little bit to give a little more of an incentive to do so.”
Also, a small red mailbox is set up outside the main entrance to Medora Community Schools near the flagpole for kids to drop in their letters to Santa. That will remain in place until close to Christmas.
“We will make sure Santa gets all of his letters if any youngsters want to write some letters and take them to the school,” Ault said.
Finally, locally oriented Christmas cards and ornaments designed by Walden are available for purchase at State Bank of Medora during regular business hours. Cards are $3 apiece and include a custom Medora Christmas Festival envelope, and ornaments are $15 each.