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The Newcomer
(by Della Bacon - December 21, 2009)
I don’t know if it rained on your parade, but It certainly didn’t rain on mine! If it did, I didn’t notice. Why? My head was covered with an old lady gold hat. And, I was having such a great time meeting, greeting, and visiting with the participants, who patiently lined up on Huntoon Street, on the Levy, and in the Municipal Parking Lot.
One lovely lady truck driver explained she had a problem: her town cancels parades and outdoor activities, when it rains, and wasn’t sure how it would work in Oroville. She said, “I am so glad it wasn’t cancelled this year!” Well, I had to tell her, “Oroville doesn’t cancel.” My new friend, Carol Kitchen of The Birdcage Theatre team said, “Rain or Shine the Show Must Go On.” (Carol Kitchen is the writer and director of two of the one-act plays scheduled to be performed at the Birdcage Theatre in January. Her energy and love is beyond reality.)
This is about Historical Downtown Oroville’s Annual Christmas Light Parade and some of the participants. Remember, I so admire how this community pulls together and performs at events. If you are a newcomer to Oroville, watch out! You may catch the spirit of Old Town, Downtown, the many museums, and what it means to be part of the family! It’s contagious, loving, and “What they have taught me: Smiling is a compliment. I give you mine, and get 10 more in return.”
Before The Parade: I arrived early, to find a parking place. Then I walked around Downtown Oroville. The friendly merchants call me when anything “gold” arrives. For the past year, I managed to trot downtown to inspect whatever? Frequently I walk out as the new owner of something very gold to represent “Gold-Country!”
It came as no surprise to get a telephone call from none other than well-known Traci Grant, owner of Evolve Boutique. She invited me to inspect a few more gold shawls, and to watch the parade from her store front. She also suggested I arrive early, to obtain a proper parking spot. It was 3 o’clock when I found a parking spot, as signs were going to be posted across the street: No-Parking after 3 pm-or your car will be towed. I followed her instructions and arrived several hours before the parade was to begin.
Because I arrived early, I decided to take my time and walk the blocks: up Myers, down Bird, then Huntoon to Montgomery. Please remember, when I first began writing this column, it took me almost an entire year, to walk the four blocks, and chat with each of the clerks and store owners. Thus you might understand what a thrill it was to make the round in one late afternoon. I was able to see The Downtown Business Association (DBA), Chamber of Commerce, and City of Oroville in action. They were preparing for the Annual Christmas Light Parade, by building platforms, putting up signs, and re-directing traffic.
After parking my vehicle, it was time to walk and investigate. My first stop was FRSCA (Feather River Senior Center Association). Of course Mary and Connie were there in costume, preparing a festive explosion of decorated tables to serve the public with their annual fund raiser: eat in or take out delicacies of the popular Italian restaurant know as Olive Garden.
Across the street, an OPEN sign at DAY DREAMS. So, I scooted across the street to say “Hi!” to the one and only, Elegant Elouise. She has new inventory and is currently setting up a “Slightly Used Department.” Then, it was back across the street. Well, Andy was waving. You know Andy, “The Mercantile Store.” He always seems to have something interesting to share with me, and something new in his window. Bless you Andy, you are a true fixture in Historical Downtown Oroville.
What-To-Wear has opened their side door on Myers, so it was easy to get inside. Oh my—I got to check out all the new outfits. I even got to meet the best saleslady in town—she is a chocolate Yorkshire Terrier with long, soft hair. If you haven’t met her, you should. Even if I can not adopt her, I still love to take something home from that store, each time I visit—a blouse, scarf, purse, or gift for another.
Heading out the Bird Street exit, I felt the urge to eat. Of course, I couldn’t resist SCOOPS offer to feed me at a reasonable price. The Kell Family always encourages me to eat healthy. They don’t complain when I socialize with their customers. Who did I meet? The Knitting Group! I learned they continue their weekly meetings and knitting sessions each Saturday afternoon at Scoops. These are the original ladies who taught knitting and crocheting across on Myers Street, last year, at the Yarn & Knitting Shop. Food? What did I order? A Scoops Special: stuffed home-made pita. It was delicious.
Because time was running out, I didn’t get to visit several other merchants on Myers Street at Bird. Instead I stood and watched them build the grandstand for the parade judges and chatted with none other than Josh Corkin of Corkin’s Crossing. Son-of-a-gun, he was too busy, so I moved on to Gallery Interiors, to visit with his mother. (Houser’s Music Store was closed.) As everyone knows, Sue Corkin is President of the Downtown Business Association, and a member of Oroville City Council. She is a nifty lady with a lot of smarts. I have never seen her when she doesn’t have a kind word, fascinating encouragement, and willingness to share her stylish decorating tips with me and anyone else who asks. Couldn’t leave Bird Street without stopping by Betty Jean’s. Pam Casner was there, in all her glory! Ready, willing, and able to get me organized, decked out, and noticeable in a crowd. That lady lights up my life!” Well, sort of … she lit up my designer hat. That’s right; she sold me the neon signs last year, and this year she, once again, helped the display on my golden hat. “Thanks, Pam Casner!”
O.K., no more stops, time was running out, and it was important I head for “Evolve.” I ran all the way, in my high-heeled shoes, with a flashing-talking hat, and golden clock purse. Getting prepared for the parade was fun, and I was looking forward to meeting people at the Boutique. Who? Well, there is a new girl in Old Town. Her name is Stephanie. Her goal is to make everyone beautiful. How? Well, she is a very new and recently licensed hair dresser and her station is at EVOLVE Boutique. What does that have to do with me, or the parade? Oh my, I was her very first customer, and today I still feel her gentle hands styling my thinning hair.
I checked out Red Flag and Ruby’s Boutique before the parade began, and was delightfully surprised to discover much of the merchandise was marked down by 30%. One cannot hang out on Montgomery Street without checking out the FXY Lady. There were wall-to-wall people milling around getting hair done, buying clothing, gifts, etc., while waiting for the parade to begin. Since I am rarely downtown late in the afternoon, when The Pub is open, I was prompted to walk in and count the customers at the bar and playing pool. My, my ... that was a busy place, before, during and after the parade. I recognized some of the patrons, and at least one rather intoxicated gentleman wanted to trade hats; another wanted to trade his wife’s watch for my clock-purse.
Heading back to the levy, I was able to chat with some more of the participants. The Grand Marshall, Bob Buskirk, President of Oro Dam Cruisers was grinning from ear to ear. He had lots of support from other Oro Dam Cruisers, who have always been friendly and encouraging. The Girl Scouts of America were happily singing Christmas Carols. When they took a breathe and paused, I asked them if they could sing one of my favorite songs: “Make New Friends, But Keep The Old. One Is Silver; The Other’s Gold.”
I wish each and all a Very Merry Christmas!
della bacon
The Newcomer
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