From ghosts to garland, the holidays are here

What a fun Halloween celebration Weiser experienced this year! Downtown was filled with children, teens and adults all hoping for a treat. Thankfully, I didn’t witness many tricks.

 One costume trend was impossible to miss: the Ghostface mask from Scream. There were classic versions, sequined versions and even one that featured the familiar voice from the horror movie. Did you know the film industry has produced seven Scream movies, with an eighth installment currently planned?

 Among my favorite costumes were the inflatable dachshunds, the Grady sisters from The Shining, the many Spider-Men wandering downtown and, of course, my granddaughter, who dressed as a clown.

 Someone suggested I watch Scary Movie, and after all the trick-or-treating was finished, I headed home and gave it a try. The comedy spoofs horror and slasher films, especially Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer. It was the perfect light-hearted ending to a spooky evening.

 Now that Halloween has come and gone, the Christmas season is already beginning to take shape in Weiser. Our community has a wonderful lineup of festive events planned in the coming weeks.

 The Memorial Hospital Foundation is preparing for its annual Festival of Trees. Volunteers will spend the week decorating trees and creating beautiful holiday displays, all leading up to the Gala. The evening features the decorated trees, great food, auctions and an opportunity to support a worthy cause.

 The Weiser Chamber of Commerce is also accepting entries for the Holiday Parade on Dec. 4. The theme this year is “Great American Christmas.” Parade lineup begins at 5 p.m. at Weiser Middle School, with the parade stepping off at 6 p.m.

 Don’t forget that this weekend is the annual Arts and Crafts Show, sponsored by the Friends of the Library and the Four County Art Guild. Shoppers will find handmade crafts, paintings, raffle drawings and plenty of unique gift ideas for the holiday season. I’ve heard that Dennis and Sandy Cooper of The Beetree Folk School have been busy baking and freeze-drying a variety of candies. Be sure to browse all the booths and grab a bite to eat from The Wolverine Grill while you’re there.

 The Weiser Signal American is also working on its annual Christmas Coloring Book. The books will be distributed to students in Weiser, Midvale, Cambridge and Annex schools. Watch for them in the Nov. 19 edition of the newspaper. Children can color the pages over Thanksgiving break, return them to participating businesses and have a chance to win prizes. The celebration will conclude with a visit from Santa Claus and an opportunity for families to have photos taken with him.

 Any businesses interested in participating in the Coloring Book program are encouraged to call me at the office at 208-549-1717.

 I’m also working on our annual Christmas edition, which will be published on the Thursday before Thanksgiving. If you have an idea for a holiday feature story, I would love to hear from you. Businesses interested in advertising are encouraged to contact me as well. Let’s make it a festive and memorable edition for our community.

 As you enjoy the holiday season, keep an eye out for details about the annual Thanksgiving dinner organized by Toby and Dana Clary and Sue Slyter. More information on this treasured community tradition will be featured in next week’s Weiser Signal American.

 Enjoy the season!