I’ll be honest with you – the pressure of the holidays can be overwhelming. There are more things to do but no additional hours in the day to get them done. Take for example the Christmas parade on Saturday.

For CV Weekly this is a big deal. Not only were we busy assigning a writer and photographer(s) to cover the annual event, but we also hosted an open house here at our offices. My friends at Bonners Equipment Rentals transformed our parking lot into an inviting place for parade guests to stop by and enjoy some holiday cheer before the parade. Tables were set with linen, a spread of delectable fare by Frank’s Famous Kitchen & Bakery was laid out and there was even some Christmas music played.

We welcomed members of the Montrose Search & Rescue Team, the chambers of commerce, the CV Town Council, the VFW and American Legion and local business owners. It was a terrific time to reconnect with those we sometimes only see fleetingly.

Because our office faces Honolulu Avenue, we also offered free coffee, cider and cookies to passersby. Though the weather was warmer – and drier – than in previous years, the goodies were appreciated and we were happy so many people stopped by.

Before I knew it, it was time for us to climb aboard our American GTS trolley. What an impressive sight we were! And this year my mother-in-law was able to join the CVW family as we made our way down Honolulu Avenue, so that made it especially memorable.

Though it’s only been a few days I almost forgot how much fun Saturday was. But today, while reviewing the terrific photos that our photographer Leonard took and listening to Christmas music, all the memories of the evening flooded back.

Thank you to everyone who climbed aboard our trolley and those who stood curbside to wish us a Merry Christmas. Congratulations to the Montrose Christmas Parade Committee that pulled it all together and made memories for thousands.

I look forward to next year and invite you to check out our photos of the Christmas parade in this issue and online.

  robin goldsworthy