By Helen O’Field
In 1997 Mayor Mary Sessom, who was destined to reign over teensy Lemon Grove for the next 20 years, dreamed big. “Our own big bonfire replete with music, free snacks, pony rides, hay bales, natch, firemen, and hoses.”
But, at bonfire no. 1, it poured with rain. The Barn Cats, hired to entertain, were sodden. The mayor, dashing in her trademark black cowgirl hat, was soaked. The Board of the Lemon Grove Historical Society, every one a Girl Scout, placed them on the verandah and ran for warm eggnog (we know our secret is safe with you, dear reader). About 100 or so local residents, clutching umbrellas, lurked in the gloom.
Since then the weather has cooperated. We lost our Santa Claus to retirement but gained another winner to thrill moppets, who regularly line up to consult with the Right Jolly Old Elf. Music resounds, free hot chocolate, and cookies are dispensed by the local Soroptimist chapter to all comers. The crowd has risen to nine or ten thousand. Olive Street was even hosed to create ice for skating last year. The hay bales are dry and comfy.
In other words, Mayor Sessom’s faith in the event has been borne out in spades. The Historical Society opens both of its buildings for tours and regularly assembles an enormous Christmas tree. As a non profit, we can do this. Cities, of course, cannot invoke anything smacking of a religious event.
We dream big in these parts. A Big Lemon, a Big Bonfire, two Big Historic Sites, and of course, Big Crowds to enjoy the fun.
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