BOWLING GREEN, Mo — Christmas in the Green was a huge success. The crowds at the stores were packed as Karen and I went to the very businesses that participated! It was excellent to see vehicles from Illinois, Iowa, Georgia, and many purchasers came from St. Charels and Wentzville areas. One business told me their sales were up by 25%. It was not simply economically great for our town, but it was also fun interacting with all the people and business owners. This was #36 for the number of years since Kay Reading started his wonderful event. Thanks also goes to Stephanie Klott and Brittany Reuther for their amazing assistance in organizing and promoting this thriving tradition!
If you didn’t get to see the Christmas trees displayed at the Champ Clark Honey Shuck House, you missed some beautifully decorated Christmas trees! Each tree represented a business, organization or city hall with their own reflective specialty. Prairie’s Edge won last year and repeated this year. Visitors and viewers were allowed to donate to their favorite tree(s) and the proceeds went to the upkeep of the Honey Shuck House.
If you didn’t get to see the Football Bobcats beat Valle Catholic for the winner of the State quarter finals, you missed a hard-fought exciting football game. I coached football for 38 of my 45 years in education and this was one memorable game! Congratulations to the athletes, coaches, parents/grandparents, and BGHS fans! Great Day to be a Bobcat!
As beautiful and vibrant as the Fall season can be, it is also a bittersweet reminder that change will always come-whether we’re prepared or not. While change is inevitable, not all change is welcome, and some can lead to disorientation. That’s when we need to get on the same page and work together. Even when we thought we were on a firm foundation, change is difficult. That’s when coming together being optimistic and positive can re-establish a solid foundation. We can’t lose heart or despair but encourage yourself that things can improve and get better than we think. One conversation with a positive person can change one’s entire outlook and focus on the good possibilities and potentials. In a time of world upheaval in the Ukraine and the Middle East, we must turn our attention to the optimistic. Interest rates look to be going down and predicted to drop even more. Housing has increased in Bowling Green and anticipated to climb even more so after the first of the year. The bond of peace ties us and the world together and it connects our lives. The same is true for a community that when we work together, join efforts, have a common vision, satisfaction, joy, and civic pride start coming together. As Thanksgiving and this season of giving, love, cohesion, and caring for others is upon us, let us truly enjoy and experience the reason for this season. Let our town and its caring personality shine forth and bind us together. Enjoy this holiday season!
Mayor Arico