CHRISTMAS HAPPENINGS

Jasper County got into the Christmas spirit last week with lots happening in Monticello, Shady Dale, and throughout the county. The Polar Express fund raiser for the ML&J fund was a huge success Saturday, with lots of children, and adults visiting with Santa and riding aboard the “Polar Express” at the home of Tricia Armistead in Monticello.

Also, Saturday morning, a Christmas art show (top right) was held at the Vanilla Bean in Monticello featuring the work of the artists pictured, Jeanne Trammell and Jill Dyer. Later on Saturday, Santa headed to Shady Dale where he met with children and adults again, then the community gathered for a covered dish dinner, a Christmas tradition for that community. Santa arrived on a fire truck.

The whole weekend of festivities was kicked off Thursday night with the Christmas concert by the Monticello Community Band. The Monticello News will publish its annual Christmas greetings section, with letters to Santa on Thursday, Dec. 22. Letters should be submitted by Wednesday, Dec. 14. Contact The News office, 706-468-6511 to submit greetings for your business to be sure you are not left out. A Christmas coloring contest is planned for next week, Dec. 15, to entertain the children, and adults, when they are out of school. Please submit Christmas decorations photos to info@themonticellonews.com.