As usual, the second week in December was a very busy, jolly old time in Beatty, packed with Christmas events.
On Tuesday, Dec. 11, the Beatty Community Library had its annual Children’s Christmas Craft Day. Youngsters assembled Christmas ornaments from kits, and the activity carried over to the Library’s Mommy and Me Day, which involved mothers and very small children.
On a Thursday evening, Dec. 13, was the 2nd Annual Cookie and Ornament Exchange at the Beatty Community Center. Women from Beatty and Amargosa Valley gathered for the event. They each brought an ornament and three dozen cookies for the exchange, along with small items to add to gift baskets for senior citizens. They spent time socializing and enjoying refreshments.
At midday the next day, the Beatty Senior Center held an Ugly Christmas Sweater-Themed Grand Re-Opening, which included a holiday luncheon with baked ham. The Senior Center has been back in operation for a while now, but this was a chance to celebrate, and the event was very well attended.
That evening was given over to the annual Santa Night at the Community Center, sponsored by the Beatty Volunteer Fire Department. Santa and Mrs. Claus passed out gifts to all the children, just as they had at the Happy Burro the preceding Saturday.
At the same time, in the next room, locals enjoyed the Beatty Christmas Potluck Dinner. During the dinner, Beatty Chamber of Commerce President Ann Marchand announced the winners of the Chamber’s annual outdoor lighting contest.
First place in the residential contest went to Wayne Burnell, and second place to Bob and Billie Goerke. Third place was a three-way tie between Andy and Jeannie Ybarra, Clay and Jessica Stephenson, and Eddie Huffman and Mary Parker.
The winner of the commercial lighting contest was Desert Canary Resale. Second place went to the Atomic Inn, and the Happy Burro Chili and Beer took third.
Richard Stephens is a freelance reporter living in Beatty.