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December 3, 2022 – The Upper McKenzie Community Center hosted our Annual Belknap Bridge Lighting Ceremony where friends and neighbors gathered to enjoy the season. This year, in conjunction with local organizations and businesses, we created a fun celebration for all ages. We enjoyed a short walk from the UMCC to the bridge where we sang original Christmas carols and watched the lights come on. A flotilla of river rafts, decorated with a Christmas tree and sparkling with lights, made for a magical parade of Santa and his many helpers. Many thanks to the folks at Horse Creek Resort for the “floats” in the river parade! Oh what fun to have a new tradition to look forward to.

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Back at the UMCC we enjoyed hot cocoa, cider and coffee to warm us up – and the smell and taste of hot buttered popcorn, thanks to Orchid Health and their popcorn popper machine. Sweet treats such as freshly decorated holiday cookies and brownies were enjoyed by all, sponsored by our friends with the McKenzie Valley Long Term Recovery Group. Local historian Margaret Beilharz provided us with a wonderfully informative history video that played for all to enjoy. Many folks shopped and mingled with most entering to win a number of great raffle prizes, courtesy of local businesses and with proceeds going to benefit the O’Brien Memorial Library. There was even a display of the upcoming remodel we have planned for the bathrooms and kitchen at the UMCC – complete with drawings and a LEGO scale model.

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A special thank you to all who joined us and enjoyed this fun night while supporting local businesses and our community center. We look forward to getting together again with you all very soon in the new year to share in our newly remodeled spaces. Until then, many blessings to you and yours.

 

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