It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. In downtown Mancos, where Grand Avenue and Main Street intersect, there are several trees on display.
We begin our tour with Mac Neely’s Girl Scout tree, bearing ornaments made by her Troop 78. These local Girl Scouts are 60 years young now. Way to go Mac!
The nest tree is decorated with pretty multicolored poinsettias, and represents the Hair Solutions, which has a new location on Riverside. The Raven House Gallery’s tree is next, garnished with traditional trim. The Raven House also has a tree in front of the gallery, dressed with colorful paint brushes in honor of local artists. You can’t miss the 1896 tractor and plow, a big production engineered by J.D. Adams.
The next tree on display is The Mancos Valley Historical Society’s offering, which is topped with a big gold star. Then there’s the Mancos School of the West tree, trimmed in the Christmas spirit, with a beacon to MSW that glows at night. Adjacent to this is The Creative District tree, embellished with bright ornaments and a large present for somebody. Next is the Artisan Gallery & Shop, adorned so prettily with a brilliant gold bow that tops it off.
The Horseshoe Horse, designed by Bonnie Loving and laced with lights by Rena Wilson, is strikingly beautiful. It flourishes at night, so don’t miss it.
Last but not least is a small creekside tree, nicely trimmed by Kate St. Onge.
Moving down to The Common Press, there is an area where there are three trees. The VFW tree dazzles viewers with its red, blue and white flags, in memory of our fallen soldiers and those who are still with us. Behind this tree is a tree honoring law enforcement, dressed in blue lights and bearing police shields as ornaments. Thank Queenie Barz and Theresa Murdock for preparing these trees.
The final tree is The Angel Tree, in memory of Alice Saunders.
A village makes a villageOn Nov. 27, Queenie Baez moved 24 tubs of miniature village components that comprise more than 200 houses and businesses – even a Wal-Mart. The first step was the daunting task of unpacking and unwrapping all the contents. Then came the accounting work – categorizing the village’s banks, churches and businesses and more than 500 figurines including school and church figures, policemen, doctors and farmers. It soon became a construction zone, and a matter of planning and zoning.
Developer Queenie Barz rolled up her sleeves and got down to work, from the top down – mountains and slopes, the snow line and ski resorts. Then, the farms, residential areas, businesses, and even a carnival.
And don’t miss the hot-air balloon show. This is to be viewed right here in Mancos at the The Valley Inn. Thanks, Queenie for keeping the tradition going. Thirty-eight years ago, Ellen Holston (Queenie’s mother) started the family tradition with six or seven pieces. Through the years, family and friends have gifted the now-elaborate keepsakes to preserve the spirit of Christmas and the smiles of the residents of the Valley Inn.
It took our village to create a village!
Thanks for the helping hands Lynn Lewis, Theresa Murdock and Jo Savage.
