An old country Christmas in Burlington

From Snowmen, to the Grinch, to the Mayor of Whoville and Cindy Lou Who, to Santa, Burlington put on a celebration reminiscent of Christmases in times past.
It all started with an idea from Pauline Parker for the snowmen to be all over the community and surrounding area. She and husband Wayne made and painted over 300 snow people to help bring a community spirit to the area. The community celebration grew out of that.
Last Saturday people enjoyed carriage and wagon rides. Dale Clark brought his team and a carriage. Jeff McManus and Don Miller provided a team and hay wagon. There were refreshments available at the loading and unloading areas. After a thrilling ride the participants were able to warm up in the Burlington Town Hall with cookies and hot chocolate while they made Christmas ornaments and surveyed the sleigh full of presents that Santa would hand out later. The Mayor of Whoville (Mayor of Burlington Jerry George) was present there with his beaming smile and invitation to the youngsters to come back for the presents.
 “I have taught school for over 30 years,” he said. “And I told them I would never dress up. I never have, until now.”
Then a trek down the street revealed Cindy Lou Who giving out free kisses at Grinchville. Of course, the Grinch was out and about sneaking around and trying to steal all the fun. With warming barrels around town, there were opportunities everywhere for people to stop and chat with neighbors.
Then came the cooking contest.  There were five categories. First place in sweets went to Rebecca Lepper. Kathy Nicholson was first in the noodle category. Wayne Parker’s wontons placed first in the This & That category. Best chili went to Susan Davidson. Pauline Parker won for the best potatoes.
For the parade Dale Clark with his team was the first-place winner. Fritz Nelson’s “So funny” was second. The Burlington Place was third. Floats were also judged. First place was TCT. Second place was the firetruck with Santa and Grinch.
The best home decorating winner was Lois Christofferson. Sara Lanius won best tree. The best snowman contest was a tie between Big Horn County 4-H and Wyoming Jeepers.
The evening wrapped up with Santa handing out presents at town hall. The whole afternoon was full of community presence and pride.