Fairmont Glows

People who talk to me enough hear me say that a lot as I try to navigate the inner workings of a town that is made up of people who have lived here their whole lives and know instinctively where Bixby's corner is. (Seriously people, newcomer's need street names, not nicknames.)

I came from the cities. I grew up in what is known as a transient community - people were constantly on the move as they climbed the corporate ladder. I could easily go to Target in the town I lived in for 15 years and not reasonably expect to meet anyone I knew.

So imagine my shock 2 years ago coming to Fairmont and finding community wide traditions - things people looked forward to as a community, stood out in the freezing cold to witness, and did it with joy. Like the Glows Parade.

At first I was taken aback - here we are in the dark, slowing growing numb in the cold, accepting candy from people we can barely see, to celebrate Christmas when November isn't even on its way out.

But slowly I am beginning to enjoy this tradition. I am still miffed that the town doesn't even wait for Thanksgiving before encouraging Christmas lights. But bulldozing over one holiday in favor of another seems to be a personal pet peeve I am realizing others obviously don't share.

So this year, as I walk in the parade with alongside the Sentinel van, I want to thank you all for letting me be a part of them.