The first day of December dawned with a blanket of fresh snow, and for those who don't have to be out, it is beautiful.

All of this snow makes everyone think of Christmas and the upcoming DeTour Village Christmas. This old-fashioned celebration has certainly expanded since its early planning meetings of the EUP Fine Arts Council four years ago. Now the event lasts the entire weekend, and nearly every area organization and business is involved in some way. The village handles the decorations around the community and the installation of the community Christmas tree, and the Botanical Garden Group is sponsoring the kickoff ceremonies, tree lighting, and luminary walk Friday, December 5. Saturday, December 6, the DeTour Museum is co-sponsoring the breakfast with Santa at Fisher's Restaurant, the Friends of the Library will have children's crafts, story time, and picture taking at the Cultural Center, the DeTour Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the horse-drawn wagon rides, and the Union Presbyterian Church is holding the bazaar, quilt show, and soup and dessert luncheon. In addition, there are many individuals showing at the art show at the Cultural Center, and the craft show at the Village Hall and area businesses and restaurants will have specials and drawings for gifts all day.

Anchoring the weekend activities is the EUP Fine Arts Council production of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," directed by David Rhinard. I attended the first dress rehearsal of the play Sunday evening at the Cultural Center to work with Jon Hamelink on photographs. The adults are doing a fine job but, as usual, the children steal the show. DeTour has some very talented young people and you won't want to miss seeing them on stage during one of the evening performances Thursday, December 4, Friday, December 5, or Saturday, December 6, or the Sunday matinee Sunday, December 7.

The village is really beginning to look like Christmas. If you're in town after dark, be sure to take a ride by the Botanical Garden. President Kris Kelley, secretary Dianne Karsh, and their committees of community volunteers have really outdone themselves in lighting the area. Of course, being smart ladies, they did much of the installation of the lights in early November, when the days were mild and there was no snow. In just a few years, the Botanical Garden has become a place of beauty for all seasons. Anyone who has an interest in working with the group is welcome. Just call Kris to find out about the next projects and plans for spring.

Monday, November 24, 16 area ladies gathered at the Village Hall, at the invitation of Claire Shultz from Harborview Framing, and Tacy Koivisto from Dragon Fly Floral, for the first DeTour Village cookie exchange and potluck luncheon. I wasn't able to be there, but Claire said the ladies had a great time exchanging cookies. In fact, it was so successful they've already decided to make it an annual event on the Monday before Thanksgiving. This gives everyone cookies to use for Thanksgiving and to freeze for Christmas. While the cookie sampling went well, it seems it was the potluck dishes for which everyone wanted the recipes.

Although the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians will not be sponsoring a local Christmas party this year, it looks like we may have a community children's Christmas party that will be open to the public. The plans are for a carnival type party to take place Saturday, December 13, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Fine Arts Cultural Center in DeTour Village. Call Lisa Burnside at (906) 484-2903 if you have questions or would like to help. One of the planned activities is a cake walk, and they will definitely need helpers to bake. As the old saying goes, "It is better to give than to receive," and what better way to give than by making a special day for our children.