Cowboy Christmas
By Brandy Nance
Originally published 12:58 p.m., November 26, 2007
Updated 12:58 p.m., November 26, 2007
COTTONWOOD FALLS
On the morning of the annual Chase County Christmas celebration in Cottonwood Falls, 9-year-old Cheyenne Coirier said she couldn’t believe her eyes — the ground was covered in a fresh blanket of snow.
The snow, while short-lived, gave Chase County Christmas an extra touch.
“When I woke up it was unbelievable,” Cheyenne said with a smile as she colored a handkerchief in the Community Center in Swope Park Saturday afternoon.
The theme of Chase County Christmas this year was “A Cowboy Christmas.” Inside the community center kids and adults were given a taste of the “cowboy way” as various horse tack was on display and cowboys were showing off rope tricks. Thomas Coirier, 17, of Cottonwood Falls, was one of the cowboys present at the community center. For Coirier, the theme of the celebration allowed him to share with others his love for horses and the cowboy life.
“There have been kids here from Kansas City,” Coirier said. “It’s nice to show them something they are not used to. Even some of the kids here from Chase County don’t know much about it.”
Coirier said he got into cowboy work because of his brother. Coirier said for him, working with horses is weekend work. He does work for a ranch, a dude ranch and trail rides.
“Just being around the animals is a big deal to me,” he said. “None of it is ever the same. You’re gonna encounter something new every day.”
Coirier said the most popular part of Saturday’s horse display was the saddle.
“Most of them want to sit on the saddle,” he said.
Rhesa Peacock, 6, of Emporia, took her turn sitting on the saddle Saturday. Peacock said she had fun with the different activities.
“I like all the games and getting to help people out,” Rhesa said, adding that she participated in several cowboy-themed activities that included making a handkerchief and making a cactus out of popsicle sticks. “And I get to ride on the saddle.”
Rhesa’s sister, Sarah Peacock, 10, said she liked looking at the horse stuff, which included everything from bridles to grooming tools. Peacock said she likes riding horses.
“I have only done it a little bit but I think it’s nice,” Sarah said.
Back at the kids’ table, Cheyenne said going to Chase County Christmas is a tradition for her family.
“Every year my mom and I go to the Mercantile and get some treats (to take) to see the courthouse lighting.”
Saturday afternoon’s activities included a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus; carriage rides; a fruit-cake toss; live music and, of course, the lighting of the Chase County Courthouse, which is in the middle of renovation. This year there was a new touch — the bridge that goes across the Cottonwood River was recently restored and re-opened to foot traffic. The bridge was lit up too.
“My favorite part would probably be going across the bridge,” Cheyenne said with a smile.