A Heartwarming and Delightful 43rd Annual Christmas Pageant

Thank you to the Rangeley Friends of the Arts and all who supported and participated in the 43rd Annual Walk to Bethlehem, Rangeley’s Community Christmas Pageant held on December 10th.

The weather was damp, but not surprisingly that didn’t stop the sounds of caroling through the streets. A smaller than usual group didn’t let the weather stop them. That being said, I was happy to see that Branch Bassett, the Babe, was comfortably being held by his grandfather in the warmth of the Church of the Good Shepherd rather than being carried through the cold and wet streets.

Not all traditions are easy to keep alive, but thank goodness some, like this well-loved event, are. To me, it’s the epitome of what people imagine would occur in a quintessential New England town. It’s also what people like me cherish, and I’m not alone. I spoke to Jackie Patnode who said she always comes back the day before the annual event as she appreciates it as much as I do.

I might have thought my feelings would change once I grew older. Maybe it would be the same old, same old, but it never is. Each year proves to be as unique and as different as the winter, the weather, and the snowflakes.

Each year I see some unfamiliar faces in the Rangeley Community Chorus and some new talent performing solo. I look forward to seeing the children of friends growing up and taking their turn in the spotlight, and I appreciate the shifts in the musical selections of the year. I’m also happy to join friends and neighbors in singing some of the great seasonal classics.

This year was no exception. I have to say that it was an absolute pleasure to hear the lovely Kayla Brewer sing a sweet rendition of a White Christmas, Eric White moved me to tears with Ave Maria and dancers Averie Flewelling and Angelica Woodward performing to the Waltz of Flutes was a seasonal delight I will not soon forget. I also loved the solo performance by Kaitlyn Hammon.

Congratulations to Heidi and Ben Bassett on the birth of their son Branch. How delightful it must be to play the roles of Mary and Joseph in such a heartwarming setting.

You might have surmised by now that I am indeed the sentimental type, but I would venture to guess that even the scroogiest of scrooges or the grinchiest of grinches would sing a different tune if they were in attendance. So next year, I hope to see everyone who is reading this there. Old-fashioned and if need be, standing room only.

Happy holidays everyone and may peace, health and happiness be with you all year long.