CREEDE — The Mineral County 4-H group hit Basham Park on Sunday, Dec. 5, and turned the entire area into a holiday wonderland with the help of several volunteers and community members.

“It was a really great day,” said Mineral County 4-H Program Coordinator Sunday Cook.

The day was bright and clear with the sun shining as the 4-H members set about creating a festive holiday display. The City of Creede donated $5,000 to the purchase of lights and holiday decorations. Creede City Clerk Sarah Efthim-Williamson requested the donation and ordered the lights.

Not only did the community help hang the lights and decorate the trees but local businesses donated time and efforts toward the project as well.

“Mineral County Councilman Jesse Albright arranged for Randy Riggs to transport a cherry picker from South Fork so we could get the lights strung high up in the cottonwood trees," Cook said. "Creede resident Dick DePriest donated the cherry picker. The Creede Hotel made delicious hot chocolate and cookies for the club and member Ryder Whitehorn and his parents, Jason and Amy Whitehorn, opened up the Creede Trading Co. and gave all the kids fudge.”

Basham Park was full of holiday joy and community togetherness.

“We wrapped aspen and cottonwood trees in new lights, we put up the town Christmas tree in the park and decorated it and put up holiday flags and light displays along Main Street. In all, around 35 4-H members, siblings, parents, club leaders and volunteers participated. It even involved members screwing in 3,000 lightbulbs — which the youngest ones did this. It really was a county-wide effort,” continued Cook.

Mineral County 4-H President and local high school senior Carter Simon was pleased with all the support.

“Decorating went well," Simon said. "Thanks to a solid group of people in Creede who help out and care for their community.

"The response to this 4-H community service project was outstanding. We had so much help from local businesses, 4-Hers, parents and volunteers. Everyone who showed up from the youngest Cloverbud on, worked hard and contributed. The end result is sure to get us all in the holiday spirit,” finished Cook.

The next Mineral County 4-H meeting will be held on Jan. 9, 2022.