NEWELL-An abundance of embracing holiday cheer was found in the Newell Community Hall last Saturday. Trees, wreaths, and all kinds of handiwork lined the walls and tables were filled with articles for the silent auction. It was a sight to behold!
Smiling faces greeted guests at the door, welcoming everyone with the spirit of Christmas. Once inside, there was food for munching, tickets to purchase, and plans to make deciding which treasure to purchase.
There were small groups of town-folks gathered together sharing thoughts, discussing the past harvest season or what their plans are for the season. Kids ran free, taking a piece of cheese or having a walking taco along with the grownups.
Stacey and Orion Potter entertained the crowd with several Christmas songs, causing most of them to be transported to a time outside of the community hall. The highlight of the session was when Orion sang “Ave Maria” in a strong tenor voice and when Stacey played her violin for another well-known holiday song.
By the time the auction began at 4 p.m., the hall was full with anxious adults ready to bid on the handiwork of area residents. Top ticket items included an Idaho Bear Hunt donated by Urge2Hunt. A fishing excursion provided by Dan Nefsger which allowed the highest bidder to chose archery carp, archery paddle fish on Lake Poinsett or Yankton dam. Another fishing excursion was donated by Wild Walleye Outfitters. Texas Independence Ranch donated a hog hunt. A butcher lambe was donated by Wulf’s Metalworks & Rustic Design. Smeenk Ranch donated an antelope hunt. The auctioneer this year was Bryton Oedekoven with assistant John Croft. Deb Steele kept track of bidders. The money raised from the auction will supplement the budgets of area fire departments and first responders.
At the writing of this article, the amount raised by the gun raffle, 50-50 tickets, auction, and other projects was not available. Watch for the tallies in upcoming editions.
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