Bessemer turns out for Christmas party

By P.J. GLISSON

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Bessemer - A Saturday Christmas party in Bessemer drew more than 150 people to the hall of VFW Post 3673, which sponsored the event.

"We do it as a community event," said party organizer Donna Frello, who added this was the third year the VFW offered the party.

Santa Claus was present for an hour and one-half, and Christmas tunes also were played as part of a "Kiddie Karaoke" event. "That turned out pretty cute," said Frello.

In addition to a hot sloppy joe lunch, she said, "We had all kinds of baked goods."

Children also enjoyed several craft projects, during which they created items such as snowman magnets, snowflakes and angels. Frello said they also did a variety of coloring projects.

Under the direction of Linda Malmberg, of the Gogebic County Veterans Affairs Office, the three daughters of Dylan and Stephanie Gale of Bessemer made cookie ornaments. Genesis, 7, Evelyn, 6, and Kiera, 4, proudly showed off their results.

"We usually have a hay ride," said Frello, but said it was not possible to organize it this year.

According to Frello, about 14 volunteers from Bessemer, Ironwood and Ironwood Township helped to set up tables, prepare and serve food, direct art projects, and clean up messes.

She said that, in years past, the Bessemer Chamber of Commerce sponsored the annual event, but the chamber dissolved a few years ago.