"It's a Wonderful Life in Bloomfield"

MADELINEDEJOURNETTadvancensc@sbcglobal.net Buddy Heaton leads the community choir in front of the old courthouse at the "It's a Wonderful Life in Bloomfield" celebration on Dec. 16, 2015.

For local residents who long for the nostalgic Christmas traditions of their childhood, this year's "It's a Wonderful Life in Bloomfield" celebration had all the warmth and color they could hope for--lights, music, food, Santa Claus, and good friends, sharing the spirit of the season.

The chamber of commerce and several local residents put their heads together to make the Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2016 evening special.

A brass section from the local high school played selections, followed by a community choir, singing carols. A canine costume contest provoked squeals of delight from the children and "ahh's" from admiring adults.

MADELINEDEJOURNETTadvancensc@sbcglobal.net Santa visits with a child on the Bloomfield courthouse square.

Santa sat on a bench, ready for photos and conversations with the kiddies, and treats were handed out by local churches. A booth sold hot chili and hot chocolate, and a warming fire blazed in a barrel. Several stores stayed open to provide warming stations for those who needed it.

Local band "Leftovers" provided entertainment in front of the historic Stoddard County courthouse.

Rev. Alice Fowler read the Christmas story to conclude a wonderful evening.

MADELINEDEJOURNETTadvancensc@sbcglobal.net A Bloomfield resident holds one of the entries in the Christmas costume dog contest.

MADELINEDEJOURNETTadvancensc@sbcglobal.net The brass section of the Bloomfield High School Band plays for the crowd, gathered on bleachers on the square.