Winter Cheer for Blue River

Volunteers from Willamette Christian Center and First Baptist's Camp Harlow were busy on Friday putting up the hand-painted pieces. While working along the McKenzie Highway at Milepost 41, they were greeted by honks and waves from passing cars and trucks. – Sarah Koski

A project first proposed in June came to life last week. Fifty larger-than-life candy canes were be delivered and installed around Blue River just in time for Christmas. “Before the fire, the Blue River community would come together to decorate one of the large trees in town,” said McKenzie Valley Long Term Recovery Group Board Member Sarah Koski. “This is our way of helping to bring some of the traditional cheer of the holiday season to the community while they are still working to rebuild and recover from the Holiday Farm Fire.”

The candy canes, which stand three feet tall, are the work of the McKenzie Valley Long Term Recovery Group’s Spiritual Needs Committee, Love for Lane County, and generous community partners. The wood was donated by Jimmy Swanson of Swanson Group Manufacturing and the candy canes were cut and painted by Camp Harlow volunteers.

“Christmas is such an important and special time for many families,” said Koski. “We are really excited to help bring some holiday cheer to Blue River.”

In addition to the candy canes, Willamette Christian Center has donated Christmas lights for the community’s Phoenix sculpture and sign.

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