Avinger hosts classic citywide Christmas dinner

It could easily have been a scene out of a classic Christmas movie. A dedicated group of community activists put together their time, their talent and – most of all – their hearts, and invited the entire town to dinner. That was the setting at #7 Main Street in Avinger on Dec. 10. Baked ham, countless casseroles and plenty of desserts adorned the buffet enjoyed by about 50 Avinger area residents. The evening was put on by members of the Avinger Area Chamber of Commerce, the Cress Community Foundation and the 1936 Study Club. The volunteer force of well over a dozen people planned, decorated, cooked and served the buffet meal, which also offered coffee, tea, and even spiced cider.

As dinner guests shook off the frigid cold to step inside Main Street Education’s meeting center, they were greeted by the warmth of the holiday spirit and the aroma of good food. Joyful Christmas music filled the air both on the street and inside the hall, as friends and neighbors found familiar faces and made new friends as well. The tables were festooned with tinsel garlands, tiny lights twinkled in the corners, and one could almost feel the soothing warmth from the larger-than-life fireplace projected on the back wall.

Flyers had been distributed throughout the town, inviting everyone to “An Avinger Christmas” open house dinner. “We only live about a block away, so we just walked over here,” said “Grandma” and “Uncle Ronnie”, who enjoyed the dinner with assorted grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Lifelong Avinger resident Bessie Rhodes attended with her brother and sister-in-law, Don and Debarah Perry. Local businessman and politician David Simpson was in attendance, as were former Avinger mayor Jane Yarbrough, city council member Jackie Salmon, and Avinger ISD board member Marcus Perez. According to Chamber of Commerce president Elaine Moulton, “This is the first time we’ve done this here, and we hope to make this an annual tradition for everyone who lives in the area. It’s just a nice way for the citizens of Avinger to get together and enjoy a holiday dinner with family, friends and neighbors.”

On Saturday, Dec. 17, #7 Main Street will be the setting for a visit from Santa. Everyone is invited to come have their photo taken with Santa from 2:00 to 3:30, compliments of the Chamber of Commerce.