To the Editor:

Altamont Community Tradition would like to thank our friends and neighbors for participating in the 2016 Victorian Holiday Celebration and Wintermarket. We hope our annual event brightened the spirit of everyone.

Many thanks to the house hosts who graciously opened their homes for the holiday house tour. They, along with the Wintermarket full of vendors, and participation by many local businesses and community organizations, created a special atmosphere to be shared this holiday season.

As our event evolves each year, we savor our time-honored traditions, and embrace new activities to help spread the spirit of community. We are grateful for our village and this opportunity we have to share its magic with all who attend.

One of our newest traditions is a gratitude wreath. It is is simple idea, starting with a large plain wreath. Throughout the weekend, visitors had the opportunity to make a note of what they are grateful for, on a scrap piece of ribbon. The ribbons were added to the wreath, one by one. The finished wreath is a lovely tribute to all who took time to participate.

The winners of the Festival of Trees this year were: first prize, The Spinning Room; second prize, Amy Martin's fourth-grade class from Altamont Elementary School; and third prize, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7062.

Thank you to all the volunteers who gave their talent, time, energy, and enthusiasm to organize a wonderful family event for our community. Happy holidays!

Connie Rue, secretary

Altamont Community Tradition