A big shout out to the Solon community for its great support of the Solon Christmas Tree Walk and Arts Festival. The cooperation and hard work of many Solon individuals and groups is what makes this possible. It starts in October and November when planning meetings begin with representatives from the City of Solon, the SEDG, the Solon Economist and the Solon Methodist Church. Vendor sign up begins, cooks and bakers start planning, Christmas Tree themes are chosen and Helen Proffitt comes up with a new idea for the Scavenger Hunt, and…Santa declares his availability for the event.

The day before the event, Solon Fire Department volunteers deliver 32 tables (as the event long outgrew what the Methodist church had in stock!) and the craziness begins – decorated trees arrive, vendors set up tables, and decorations begin to appear, topped off by a beautifully decorated entrance by E’s Florals.

But the best part, of course, is what happens the day of the event, and my main reason for writing this. For the event to be a success is important, but even better is to watch the great fellowship that takes place as the day progresses. Workers take lunch breaks with family and friends, young parents find friends as their kids scope out the Christmas trees to earn a freshly baked cookie, you run into your neighbor from across the road. Extra tables have to be set up, because no one is quite ready to leave.

This is COMMUNITY, my friends. And in these uncertain times, somehow crossing paths with friends and acquaintances gives us assurance, gets our hopes up, and one leaves feeling glad this is where you are from.

Barb Kalm

Mount Vernon