Observations: A virtual Christmas makes it merry in Wasco

In the Year of the Pandemic, how is

the Christmas season in Wasco different

f r o m eve r y o t h e r year?

Being a Shafter native, the writer

was eager to dissect the town's decorations

and/or lack thereof. In Wasco,

I wondered why hardly any lights

adorned businesses downtown, and

why Highway 46 was so dark.

Then reality set in, humbled by

the "why" while cruising the City of

Roses. We're In the middle of Covid-

19's wrath! Now is not the time to

critique. All small businesses have had

and continue to have a rough year. The

signs of the season may not be in the

budget, or currently not a top priority.

As a friend who works for a local

franchise put it, "It's hard sometimes

to decorate for holidays because it

does take time to hear from the top and

abide by the regulations per franchise

per company." That changes your attitude

and with new eyes to see and a

heart to understand, the search for the

story became clearer.

Although the scene is currently not

as festive as previous years -- it may

be too soon to tell -- still there was a

story to find in the spirit of Christmas

in Wasco.

Let's start with the fact that 7th

Street is the hub of the city. Although

there was no tree lighting ceremony

this year, a tree made of lights does

encase the downtown clocktower.

A "Merry Christmas" sign made up

of lights and candy canes frames the

"Welcome to Wasco" city sign. But

the real sight is how local businesses

like La Imperial light up the street.

"Being a family-owned business,

we have the privilege to share our culture,

which is celebrating Christmas.

We are able to share that joy with our

employees and community. [We're]

doing our best to stay open to provide

your favorite meals along with a festive

cozy environment with outdoor

dining."

I agree with owner Maria Solis and

her brother Hugo, who adds, "The fact

is that the pandemic is out of our control.

But we are still able to offer the

best possible experience through it all.

We are one community; I believe it's

our duty to look out for one another."

The warmth shared in conversation

with Maria and Hugo is a gift anyone

can appreciate. "We plan to register

our business in the #lightupwasco

campaign and hope people will vote

for our window display."

Another new way to enable the

town to be a part of one anothers'

holiday plans while, yes, being apart.

Juan Bernal, the Wasco Recreation &

Park District program director, says,

"Twelve days of Christmas is an enjoyable,

no cost, interactive way for

the community to be involved while

also taking proper precautions to

avoid spread."

Wasco residents have the opportunity

to vote for their favorite decorated

home or business at wascoparks.

recdesk.com.

After speaking with many Wasconians,

the writer's blue-and-gold

grinch heart grew to bursting.

Wasco doesn't need a parade, or a

tree-lighting ceremony, or extravagant

lights and decorations strewn along

downtown. The true sight is the adoration

and unity within them. Its apparent

the City of Wasco is alive and full

of with Christmas spirit.

oid spread. Registration endsDecember

10th, then Wasco residents

have the opportunity to vote for their

favorite decorated home/business at

https://wascoparks.recdesk.com/ After

speaking with so many Wasconians,

my blue and gold grinch heart grew

ten times bigger. I realized, Wasco

doesn't need a parade, or a tree lighting

ceremony, or extravagant lights

and decorations strewn along downtown.

The true sight is the adoration

and unity within them. Its apparent the

city of Wasco is alive and full of with

Christmas spirit.