I have the good fortune to travel frequently throughout the Sacramento Valley and I try to set aside some extra time to make sure to stop and appreciate the small towns that help make it so special.
Recently I went through Biggs just off Highway 99 in Butte County. I found holiday décor, houses that showed a lot of pride of ownership and something special- a miniature downtown all dressed up for Christmas.
This has been an annual tradition for more than 20 years and was started by homeowners seeking to add a nice holiday touch to their community. It’s now spearheaded by Roger and Mary Frith. Roger, a retired electrician, is Mayor of Biggs. Wife Mary is part of the Biggs Community Action Volunteers. Formed a year and a half ago, they work to improve the community. It started with a cleanup and has expanded into beautification projects. The ultimate goal is raising money to buy a projector to play movies for children and the elderly. Their hard work is already paying off and is embodied by this Christmas display.
“There’s a tremendous pride in the communities in the valley,” said Roger. “It’s all about being a part of the community where people appreciate the small things. We don’t have the luxuries that larger communities have. We like to do what we can to give any pleasure to the people of our community.”
It’s this can do attitude and hardworking spirit that make the Sacramento Valley such a treasure.
As Roger remarked “We always like it when people come in and see our community for the first time. Everyone thinks ‘This is like Mayberry!’ It’s not a fancy place. It’s just the way it is here in the valley.”
For me, something as small and simple as a Christmas display lovingly maintained by the community typifies something to feel good about this Christmas.
Merry Christmas Biggs. You’ve already made my holiday season brighter!
Jim Morris is Communications Manager for the California Rice Commission. Jim has worked in communications for more than 20 years. When he’s not on the job, he enjoys his family, faith, football, outrageous monster stories and running marathons.
No comments:
Post a Comment