Harrington news

And what to my amazement was all that commotion and clatter; I rose from my seat and raced into the streets to see what was the matter. Sirens, more and louder sirens, closer and faster, as though the whole city were in a disaster. No Prancer, no Dixon, but oh, what a sight; Santa hanging on to the rear of the fire engine so tight.

Children were rushing to see who was coming, and before long Santa was taking his seat in the opera house lobby. Goodie bags were given to the children and photos were taken while they posed. Tours also were given in the opera house and merriment filled the air.

The Harrington Opera House Society's Rummage Sale was another huge success with a new collection of Christmas decor, brass, crystal and wood items, kitchen wares, toys, books and frames. This area was very busy from 9 a.m. to the noon hour, with stragglers all afternoon. As is often the case, closing at 3 p.m., latecomers at 3:15 were granted entrance while the leftover wares were being reorganized. Taking in $289 made the day seem worthwhile, but the surprising leftovers included a new bicycle and an old tricycle. A new aspect of the sale was set apart in the Art Room where an amazing, huge assortment of jewelry donated during the year from an estate was on display with a small collection of vintage hats. This portion, the HOHS Vintage Sale, brought in another $246 also for the elevator maintenance fund; the day's total of $535 was one of the better for the year. All crews and committees are working toward the soon-to-arrive grand piano and the soon-to-be-installed elevator. Tape was seen on the carpet of the Art Room floor where the building committee had marked off the actual size of the elevator at their meeting this last week, and tests were made at placing six adults within the tape lines. Six seemed too many if claustrophobia was in one's veins, but certainly more than adequate for the actual needs of the opera house clientele.

Organized by Amy Foley of the Rusty Lark, the Memorial Hall was the scene of some 20 vendors. As sometimes occurs, several vendors did not arrive as scheduled, but this allowed more breathing room for vendors and shoppers alike. A great multitude of shoppers filed through examining the wares. Some found it difficult to keep their minds on the shopping with the aroma of the food available by Hazel's Dozen and Jessie Van Belle with orange palm leaf rolls. Tables were available for dining in comfort.

It is believed that The Pear of Knit Wits traveled the greatest distance from Kent to participate in the sale. The Harrington FFA had their tables in the central area and by mid-afternoon few poinsettias were left. The other vendors with their wares included Wee-3-Sprouts, Scentsy, Kennedy Kreations, Levis Creations, The Peony Patch, Kim's Caramels, Fran's Cookbooks, Family Life, Odessa Design, Wreaths for any Occasion, Barbara Curtis Knits, Whispers Tough and Tom Girls. The vendors seemed pleased that the weather cooperated and there was a nice turnout of shoppers.

Hazel's Dozen is a newer business in the Harrington area, situated three miles north of Harrington, owned by Julia Jacobsen. Jacobsen calls it 'a pop up cafe' as she does not cook in her home but travels to various locations to provide food for occasions. She named her business after her grandmother from South Dakota, who was admired for her cooking while rearing a family of 12 children, hence 'Hazel's Dozen.' The menu for this event was Fall Lasagna with Butternut Squash, Voise Sausage with Sauerkraut with Cougar Gold Mac and Cheese; Chicken Chili with Waffle Donut with Maple Glaze; and Tomato Bisque with Cougar Gold Cheese Roll. Customers who partook raved about the experience. Jacobsen will be at The Plow Boy in Reardan on Friday and Saturday, the 11th and 12th at 11 a.m. until sold out, serving baked goods and scones while the Fire Department is serving chili.

The old "garage" had an automotive sale by Mike Herron where auto parts, new and old, and automobiles not quite new were exchanged for that green medium. A whirling of activity seemed continuous.

Not all was mercenary. The true spirit of Christmas was honored by the carolers who began at the Nazarene Church after a cup of hot chocolate and sang their way through the business district; this group included Delani Smith, James Mann, Izabelle Burke, Yvonne Mills, David Nighswonger, Dillon Haas and the Smith family, Rick, Jenny, Megan and Alexis. They sang a mix of traditional hymns, carols and modern Christmas music. Mayor-elect Haas in his role as community organizer is attempting to enlist more voices as the season continues and enjoy some door-to-door caroling. Interested parties are encouraged to contact him for specifics.