With Thanksgiving barely over and December just around the corner, many people throughout the county found that the "Christmas Spirit" was in the air this past weekend as parties, donations and crafts seemed to take on the theme of Christmas and holiday cheer.

Early in the day on Saturday, children from all around the county filled the gym of the old Loyall Elementary School building in order to receive gifts distributed by a group of several out-of-state Church of God members.

Loyall Church of God pastor Ken Turner said the turn out of children was remarkable and that it "filled his heart" to see such kindness from the group known as The Church of God Men and Women of Action.

"This is what it is all about - giving to the needy," Turner said. "It is the churches' responsibility to see to the needs of these little ones."

The Christmas party, which was hosted by the 40-member group made up of men and women from eight states, attracted enough children to receive over 1,000 gifts valued at $15 each.

The group plans to continue its kindness by visiting other surrounding states.

Later in the day, JoAnna Childers, of Evarts, hosted a "Christmas in the Park" party for children and residents of the Kenvir area.

The party which was held at the Kenvir Community Park, was funded by Childers as a means of keeping Christmas special in the hearts of the children and to rekindle memories of past Christmases for adults.

"It was wonderful to see how much fun the children were having and how the older people seemed to be enjoying themselves as well,

Childers said.

"It is all worth the work to see the smiles on the kids' faces and to see the older people having such a good time," said Childers.

Childers also said she could not have made the dream of "Christmas in the Park" a reality without the help of several volunteers.

"The help has just been tremendous from the local people with helping with setting up the decorations and purchasing last minute items," said Childers. "I could not have done it by myself."

Marsha Rogers, friend and helper to Childers for the party, said Childers was a remarkable person and that all the children and adults alike were thankful to have such a special person living in their community.

"She is just the kindest person and loves everyone," Rogers said. "And everyone loves her. She just wants to see that everyone has a wonderful holiday season and that the kids have a great Christmas to remember."

Besides all the fun activities along with Santa giving out gifts, two bicycles were given away during a drawing at the end of the party. S'mores and hot chocolate were available to the crowd.

Childers said more than 500 children showed up at the second annual party and that she plans to continue the festivities each year.

Also on Saturday, the 23rd Festival of the Mountain Masters concluded with Christmas booths filled with crafts attracting a lot of the browsers.

David Stidham, of Burlington, said the booth of Christmas trees, wreaths and wall hangings that he was minding belonged to his wife, Doris, who enjoys making the craft items as a hobby.

"We have had quiet a few people to stop by and admire her work," Stidham said. "She enjoys making the pieces, and she is very good at it."

Many people throughout the mall said they hated to see the crafts show come to an end, but as Blanche Bennett commented in an earlier interview "Each year the event seems to become more exciting."