Christmas in Shepherdstown

We're lucky enough to live close to Shepherdstown, WV, a little town on the Potomac that knows how to bring people together.  Last night was their annual start to the Christmas season as well as the kick-off to their 250th town anniversary.  We usually go over the Friday evening after Thanksgiving to see the Grinch and then Santa.  Usually, Santa arrives on a fire engine, but this year he appeared out of nowhere and sauntered down to the mob scene at McMurran Hall.  Since we had positioned ourselves along the wall near the sidewalk, we were able to jump right to the front of the line this year and go in to see Santa and Mrs. Claus after a short wait.  The town was beautifully decorated this year with a huge campfire beside the Chinese restaurant, a roasted chestnut vendor in front of the library, and stunning displays in many shops.  After Santa's arrival, a choir walked around town caroling at storefronts, and musicians sat in the windows at the Sweet Shop and Mellow Moods to serenade the crowd.  We had eaten at Tony's before the festivities, but the Men's Club did have their chili and cornbread available as usual; we often eat there, but the girls really don't like chili much yet.  The town extends their festivities through today, tonight, and then next weekend again. 

1st & 25th JFK Ultramarathon

After 50 miles . . . ~ 2011

Emily and Dave (and Paige) ~ 2011

Pappy with the crew ~ 2011

Pappy at the finish line! ~ 2011

Emily at 3:38 p.m. - 12 miles to go! ~ 2011

Will, Emily, and Paige at 1:07 p.m. at Antietam ~ 2011

Emily and friend at 12:13 p.m. - 22.4 miles down ~ 2011

Emily and friend at Weaverton at 10:43 a.m. ~ 2011

The JFK Ultramarathon -- that's FIFTY miles -- is now officially a family tradition; my father-in-law, Dave Downin, is running his 25th today and his daughter Emily, my sister-in-law, is running her first.  George ran his one and only ten years ago; he verified last night that he'll never do it again!  The JFK starts in Boonsboro, travels up South Mountain, down the spine along the Appalachian Trail to the C&O Canal, and finally finishes at Springfield Middle School in Williamsport.  Since I've known George, he has dropped his dad off at the start, taken his van to SPMS, ridden home on his bike, tried to catch him at least once on the Canal, and then together (and now with kids) we've met him at the finish line or somewhere close enough.  Today is no different except that we look forward to seeing his sister limping in at the end, too.  (Don't miss my other post about the JFK.)  Some scenes from today and past races ~  (To see even more photos from the 2011 race, go here)

Emily with her friend at the start of the race ~ 2011

Sylvie reaching for a high five from Pappy near the 70 overpass before the finish ~ 2009

Emily, Will, Scott, & Paige at the finish ~ 2007

Dave bringing in his first time finisher friend at the finish ~ 2007

Sylvie & Paige, a.k.a. JFK Cheerleaders ~ 2009