Community Christmas in Irvine

Melanie Stuber and her daughter, Abigail enjoyed the Irvine Christmas celebration with some neat crafts.

By Tim Kalinowski
Irvine held its community Christmas at the Sports Complex last Thursday evening. The event was largely organized by Irvine School staff and students, and featured Christmas themed crafts, an amazing supper with a wide variety of desserts, a hayride with Santa Claus and public skating.
Fourteen year-old Catering Career and Technology program student Jaden Wahley was the main organizer of the supper, and fed about 300 people in the packed hall throughout the event.
Wahley said the supper gave her a chance to use the skills she has learned in class to help bring some Christmas warmth to people in her home community.
“This is just something families enjoy,” said Wahley simply. “I like seeing people be happy.”
Outside Les Doersken donated his time and braved the cold night air to drive the tractor and wagon for the hayride. He said, to him, it was all about trying to do something nice for people to help them celebrate the holiday season.
“This is Christmastime. It’s all about having friends and family enjoying time together and enjoying life,” said Doersken.
Carol Carlson, Irvine School principal, was found waiting patiently in line to get her own supper. She wore a bright red Santa Claus hat and seemed to really be getting into the spirit of the occasion. Carlson was extremely pleased with the turnout on Thursday evening.
“Whenever possible at the school we try to bring the community together and get them involved as much as we can,” said a cheerful Carlson. “This is a nice free event where people can come to and get together to celebrate the Christmas spirit together.”