It was a wonderful evening this past Saturday when the Town of Fountain Hills, the Chamber of Commerce and the River of Time Museum had a full schedule of activities for residents to enjoy to help mark the 25th anniversary of Fountain Hills being incorporated.

And the people came out. High clouds cleared in time for another colorful sunset. The temperature was in the 60s throughout most of the evening.

Arlie Denomme reported brisk sales at the museum’s Holiday Mart and there was good attendance inside at the Santa Claus display donated by former Mayor Sharon Morgan.

An open house in the Community Center had such activities as a bounce house for the kids, games, refreshments, and even a kazoo band parade. Inside, Ken Burling had his array of trains on display. The center was decorated with Christmas trees and wreaths.

The singing group, OK Chorale, got things going on the Avenue of the Fountains at 4 p.m. The official Town program started at 4:30 as Mayor Linda Kavanagh welcomed everyone and introduced the former mayors in attendance, She also thanked the various entities for planning the day’s activities and announced that the fountain would be operating at its full height of 560 feet for the evening.

Carlos Hadaway, a longtime resident of the community and a cowboy artist, gave a brief history of Fountain Hills and told of days before roads and sidewalks.

Christ’s Church Pastor Don Lawrence followed. He said he foresees a bright future for the community and encouraged everyone to support the shops in town to help build our local economy.

The Community Band played Christmas music leading up to the flipping of the switch turning on the holiday lights along the median park, now known as the Avenue of the Fountains Plaza.

The lighting ceremony was part of the Chamber’s regular Stroll in the Glow festivity which has been held annually for a number of years.

Santa arrived at 6 p.m. by fire truck and a long line quickly formed for kids to give their gift wishes.

RE/MAX Sun Properties provide two horse-drawn hay wagons, providing rides to adults and children along the Avenue.

Local shops on the Avenue stayed open for the evening and most of them were full as Diane and I walked by them. And the restaurants on the Avenue probably wished that that business could be that good every night. All were full.

As we walked along the sidewalk, we kept stopping to say Hi to familiar faces and swap stories about grandkids that we each now have. Reminiscing about the “good old days” in the community was a common discussion topic.

It was a wonderful evening.

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There’s a museum fund-raiser being held at the home of Phil and Carol Gaziano on Friday night, Dec. 12th, from 4 to 7 p.m. You can enjoy light appetizers, beverages and chocolates by Chocofin. Entertainment will be provided by Brownedog, a wandering troubador.

The Gazianos’ home is newly re-furbished for Christmas. It is located at 14946 E. Sierra Madre.

Tickets are $15 per person or two for $25.

Call the museum for details, 837-2612.