By Mike Harris
Special to the Alpine Mountaineer
A chilly, but fair night set the proper December conditions for neighbors, friends and families as Goodwin’s Market treated the community to a special Christmas celebration on Monday night, Dec. 2, at the North Shore parking lot at Lake Gregory Regional Park.
San Bernardino County Fire personnel were on hand to start and manage the traditional holiday bonfire, with a fire engine from Station 25 just 30 feet away from the bonfire and a charged water hose on the ground in case it was needed. A large stack of wooden pallets served as fuel for the bonfire; firefighters kept tossing pallets into the bonfire throughout the evening to keep it going. As the night progressed, the public stayed close to keep warm.
Members of the Crestline Christmas Band from Woodlands Church provided Christmas music throughout the night, along with recorded Christmas music when they took breaks.
County Firefighter Morgan Greer, from Fire Station 25, begins lighting the bonfire to get the evening’s celebration started. (Photo by Mike Harris)
Along with the Christmas music and a roaring bonfire, attendees found free hot cocoa and hot dogs, courtesy of Goodwin’s Market, served up by members of the Rim of the World High School basketball team, and free hot coffee from Higher Grounds Coffee House.
On hand to help with the night’s celebration were members from Lake Gregory Community Church, New Life Christian Fellowship, Crestline Baptist Church, Woodlands Church, Jubilee Mountain Fellowship and Mountain Hope Center, providing games for the children.
Free hot popcorn and servings of cotton candy were provided by New Life Christian Fellowship.
Gabriel Shore from New Life Christian Fellowship spins another cotton candy treat for visitors as Gayle Nollan, center, her hair covered with cotton candy, watches. (Photo by Mike Harris)
“I think there were maybe between 900 to 1,000 visitors who came to Goodwin’s Christmas celebration,” estimated Mike Johnstone, Goodwin’s Market VP and general manager. “I was concerned that, because we had the celebration on Monday night, we might not get a good turnout, but the folks just kept coming. It was a wonderful way to welcome in the Christmas season for Crestline.”
Members from the attending local churches, led by Pastor Bill Mellinger of Crestline Baptist Church, told the Christmas story of the birth of baby Jesus, which was followed by a countdown to lighting the large cedar tree across the North Shore swim area. Those attending joined in the countdown and, at the count of zero, the switch was turned on, lighting the holiday tree, followed by cheers and applause by all.
On a sad note, Johnstone said this may have been the last Goodwin’s Family Christmas celebration at the North Shore parking lot. He explained to the Alpine Mountaineer that getting insurance for this year’s celebration was difficult.
“We had to find an insurance carrier that would cover the bonfire and the events at the North Shore parking lot,” he explained. “We found one, but they told us they would not provide coverage next year.”
Members of this year’s Rim of the World High School varsity basketball team were on hand to help serve hot cocoa and hot dogs throughout the night at Goodwin’s Family Christmas celebration. (Photo courtesy Jessica Johnstone)
He added that the insurance coverage situation in California is getting increasingly difficult.
“We’re thinking that, for next year, we may have to have the celebration at Goodwin’s Market, and without a bonfire,” he said. “But at least for this year, everyone had a good time.”
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