Winchester’s Holiday Open House

  • Photo/Kyla Hurt. The notorious leg lamp, as seen in “A Christmas Story,” decorates an upstairs window on the square. The leg is decoration from The Odd Fellows, a group in Winchester who made the music piping downtown during the event possible.
  • Photo/Kyla Hurt. Debby Scott (pictured) and husband, Gary, both now residents of Jacksonville, attended the Winchester open house to do some shopping and see friends in the community; it was joked that they’re really “Winchesterians” (I believe we made that up) at their roots.
  • Photo/Kyla Hurt. Winchester Mayor Rex McIntyre and wife, Carol, dined at a packed Winchester Bowl. Steve Granger, owner of the bowling alley, was dishing out free soup lunch to the community.
  • Photo/Kyla Hurt. Docent at the Old School Museum, Janis Dappert, dressed as one of Santa’s elves during the event. Dappert guessed there were over 130 people throughout the day; the museum was opened especially for the community’s Christmas fun.
  • Photo/Kyla Hurt. Good ole’ St. Nick walked the town during the event, as well. Three young cyclers had just stopped to say “hi,” in return for some stocking stuffers and a jolly “ho-ho-ho!”
  • Photo/Kyla Hurt. Merna Wisdom of the Scott County Quilters greeted shoppers in one venue, with a displayed handmade quilt and the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for the quilt. The proceeds will go toward new park benches for the town.

A Winchester Civic Group has been recently formed. One of their first acts was the start of a holiday open house for the community, which include happenings “on” and “off” Winchester’s square. Debbie Rigor, member of the civic group, exclaimed that the day was a “great success. Everyone was out talking and visiting. It was just awesome.”

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About the author

Kyla Hurt is a capable boondoggler trained in the arts; she’s also an accomplished event coordinator with experience from museum fundraising to art festivals. She enjoys puppies, sunshine, and good radishes – and wit. Wit is good, too.

View all articles by Kyla Hurt

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