Thumbs up to the Country Christmas events planned this weekend. Expect to see strolling carolers, lighted parade floats, decorated homes, performances by local kids and Santa Claus arriving on an antique fire truck during the festive holiday weekend.

In some ways, Country Christmas is returning to its roots. The lighted parade will be held in the evening instead of the daytime, and the Christmas Tour of Homes is back on the schedule. For the first time in years, there also will be a Community Christmas Tree Lighting.

We’re glad to see longtime traditions along with new events, such as a free movie showing on Saturday.

In the coming weeks, many of us will celebrate Christmas with our loved ones — family members, friends and church congregations. This is the one weekend in December designated for a community-wide celebration in Powell.

Country Christmas event organizers, through the Powell Valley Chamber of Commerce and volunteer committees, have worked hard to provide a full and festive schedule of events.

Folks all across the community also have joined the preparations — making crafts, food and gifts, practicing songs and dances and decking the halls of their homes.

Now it’s time for us as a community to simply show up and enjoy the Country Christmas weekend ahead.

Thumbs up to Giving Tuesday, a day to raise money for nonprofit groups. Following the shopping frenzy of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, nonprofits invited residents to participate in Giving Tuesday.

Since its start in 2012, the Giving Tuesday movement has gained momentum across the globe as a way to celebrate and encourage giving.

The international event has gained traction locally, and we hope to see it expand in future years. Powell is home to many worthwhile nonprofit organizations and charitable causes, and Giving Tuesday is a reminder to be thankful for these groups — and support them — all throughout the year.

But, don’t worry if you missed out on Giving Tuesday; any day is a good day to donate.

Thumbs down to slick roads following snowstorms in the area. Winter weather impacted traffic across the region over the Thanksgiving holiday last week.

Between 12:01 a.m. Nov. 25 and 1 p.m. Nov. 26, the Wyoming Highway Patrol investigated 52 crashes statewide, according to a news release. While 17 of those crashes involved injuries, we’re glad to report that none of them were fatal.

After unseasonably warm and frost-free fall days, drivers didn’t have to worry about icy and snowy conditions until recently.

With the first winter storms of the season, we’re reminded how thankful we are for emergency responders who help those involved in crashes as well as the public employees who faithfully clear snow and ice from roads. 

For drivers, winter weather also is a reminder of how important it is to be careful, slow down, buckle up and pay attention.

Thumbs up to the six residents who stepped forward to fill the vacant position on the Powell City Council. For the first time in years, there’s a lot of interest in an available council seat.

Six local residents — Janice Bailey, Zack Coombs, William Petersen, John Sides, Lesli Spencer and Todd Voller — volunteered to fill the vacant Ward 3 position.

In the last few elections, most council races went uncontested, giving candidates no reason to hold public debates and leaving many voters with only one choice on the ballot for council positions.

Like Mayor Don Hillman, we’re “tickled pink” to see so many candidates interested in serving in local government. 

While only one of the six will be selected for this current open position, we hope there’s a similar level of interest when the filing period for the 2016 elections opens next spring.