By Margaret Houben
Despite the weather, Barriere’s 2nd annual Community Christmas Day Dinner was well attended, with approximately 100 people sitting down to the meal. The doors opened at 2 p.m. with dinner ready just after 3 p.m. Everyone was greeted at the door with smiles from Judy and Peggy Armstrong.
The Lions Hall was beautifully decorated. Two Christmas trees on the stage and another near the door. The tables and chairs were all covered in white table clothes and seat covers, and the tables set with glasses, napkins, cutlery, Christmas crackers, candy canes and lovely festive centerpieces.
Wonderful smells were wafting out from the kitchen, where Laura Mairs and her crew were preparing the feast.
As the seats slowly filled, cheerful conversation could be heard and in the background Christmas carols were quietly playing.
Just before dinner was served, Glen Andrews, the MC for the evening, introduced the speakers who took their turns thanking everyone who helped in putting on this event. He also introduced the Community Christmas Day Dinner committee: Lana Laskovic of Armour Mountain Office Services, Donna Kibble of the North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo Association, Antoon Houben of the Barriere Food Bank Society, Lianne Hamblin of the Barriere and Area Chamber of Commerce, Judy Armstrong of the District of Barriere, and Laura Mairs of the Barriere Lions Club.
And finally, dinner was ready. Oh what a delicious dinner - carrots and rutabaga, brussel sprouts, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, turkey, cranberries and a number of other tidbits. There was enough left over that as people left, they were invited to fill a take-out container to take some home.
Well done Barriere – and thank you to all who donated their time and money to help make this event such a delight.