California kicked off the Christmas season in a big way Saturday. Most of the stores had discounts and served refreshments. There was an evening light parade. The Christian church served excellent chili, chicken noodle soup, hot chocolate and desserts. The evening ended with the Finke Holiday Variety Show at the Finke Theatre.
Those that were not in the Christmas spirit after a day of activities got a big dose at the Finke. The California Community Ensemble started off the show with great Christmas music and ended their part of performance with a sing-along of old favorites. The Finke players - Pam Green, Carolyn Miller, Dave Jungmeyer, Rich Green and Phil Lewis presented their take on the "Night Before Christmas." Bob Watson, in the full costume of the historical St. Nicholas, took the audience back 2000 years plus in history to the true St. Nicholas.
Mixed throughout the evening was the playing of Christmas music by Marianne Marti on her bag pipe.
The event was sponsored by Rich and Pam Green and Doris Nothnagel.
The next performance at the Finke will be the Krazy Kats, Saturday, Jan. 18 which will be sponsored by Peoples Bank and Richard and Shirley Elliott.