North Pole Family Fun Day Warms Hearts

North Pole on Friday, LBL Saturday...what's next?

I was disappointed when my daughter (Kristi), granddaughter (Millie) and I first arrived in Paris for North Pole Family Fun Day about mid-way through the festivities. The ad had mentioned several events taking place "around the court square" and I saw only a long line of youngsters at Santa's candy-cabin and scouts cooking hamburgers on the grill. Quickly, though, we realized Parisians think bigger than the grounds of the square; events were scattered strategically between shops about town and we made haste to see all the attractions. First on our list was MOLLY. We'd heard about this elfin wonder, granddaughter of Lisa Ellis, and found her to be even cuter and sweeter than her photos. We'd have missed her if Millie hadn't honed in on her behind the scenes at Leach's Music, where, incidentally, we noticed a plethora of guitars in various sizes and styles. Every youngster, teen and young adult needs a guitar; it's a rite of passage for some and a must for the musically gifted.

We also had to duck into a shop called Penique's, which must be a synonym for UNIQUE. Much larger inside than it seems, this shop carries a wonderful array of items from baby items to homewares and decor, clothing and accessories. Kristi's favorites was the "Life is Good" section while Millie enjoyed the area designed to entice little girls. Among other signs we saw one that read, "Life isn't about finding yourself, it's about creating yourself." This is a statement in which we fully believe, and one that Paris apparently embraces as well. Where else can you find, downtown, the nostalgia engendered by people enjoying the holidays -- walking, mingling, meeting people and seeing the stores? No mall can replicate it. Most towns can't either, but in Paris downtown shopping is a convenient and welcome reality.

And then there were the 4-H Honor Club youngsters braving the cold -- and despite sun-warmed spots it was COLD in the shade. These young entrepreneurial types showed children how to make various Christmas crafts. Said one of the girls, "That's what we're all about: service to the community." She and her friend described the wonderful 4-H Club opportunities in Henry County, and said it gets better and better as you progress to higher grades, including helping with the younger kids in camp. I can't say enough about the wholesome opportunities provided by this great organization.

We also had a first look at Trees on the Square (don't miss this display of Christmas tree decor by local shops and organizations, where you can vote for your favorite). It is located in downtown Paris next to BPU on East Washington Street. Gingerbread Village will be on display at Trees on the Square from December 1 through December 23, from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $1.

We had lunch at Miller's Country Store, a Mennonite establishment out toward Como in Henry County. They make out of this world sandwiches from your choice of home-baked breads, meat, cheese and vegetables. Our favorite is sweet Lebanon bologna and yogurt vegetable cheese on sourdough bread with shredded lettuce, tomato and mayo but the choices are wide and varied. Have a wild cherry cola or other drink for about half of what you'd normally pay. Don't pass by the opportunity to try out the rocking chairs they offer that are designed for lumbar support. (Thinking we might need one of these when the twins arrive!)

We went home tired and happy only to head back through Henry County Saturday on our way to The Homeplace at LBL. An intriguing visit everyday, the place was even more special with holiday fudge and gingerbread served in the old-fashioned kitchen, plus crafts and candy for the youngsters. Everything in the gift shop was half price and we went home with Susie, a soft, curlyhaired lamb that fit right in with the rest of Millie's animal friends. I'd say she was a stuffed animal, but that was before we took her home and made her a member of the family headed up by Millie and Sammy, a panda bear brought home from the Memphis Zoo when Mil was about three years old.

Funny how every time we venture to Paris, whether we're stopping or just passing through, we seem to be creating a little more of what we want to be, and be a part of. If you're looking for yourself, maybe it's time to give up that fruitless task and create yourself -- in Paris.