'Twas the night before Christmas - no cranes to be seen.
They'd long since flown south for pastures more green.
The village was quiet - at least for tonight -
Which gave us the chance to reflect and write.
With fellowship, fun, and music galore,
Reporting on Billings is never a chore.
We dusted off keyboards and got right to work,
Much like Rovi, the town’s new deputy clerk.
We’ve reminiscing to do (and it’s mostly sincere);
To traditional rhyme schemes we’ll try to adhere.
From spring’s first light through the salmon run’s peak,
Guided tours and stories were the talk of each week.
We marked a century of sawdust and spin,
The Old Mill stands proud with its heritage within.
From timber and toil to the paths that now lay,
The village remembers, still proud to this day.
Spring brought a tradition both earnest and keen,
To spot (or first hear) a sandhill crane on the scene.
The times all came rolling, by phone and by word,
With Peter still reigning, and Willa in third.
Then came a great contest - a hullabaloo -
For glory and bragging rights: Billing’s best coo.
Some practiced all winter, some winged it with flair,
With dignity optional, a rumpus affair.
Wednesday markets were hopping, making summer complete.
Ethel kept it running, a logistical feat!
Locals vendors sold treasures to visitors who,
Left with full bags and a story or two.
The Sic Sox vanished, much to our grief,
No pink bins for fabrics, no textile relief.
Yet Steve Paikin’s visits brought joy through the town,
Hosting History Day with that charm so renown.
After summer markets and handmade delights,
We welcomed cool breezes and quieter nights.
For Christmas in Kagawong, the village was bright,
With Santa and crafts, and pies baked just right.
The River Complex (aka Pickledome),
Where sneakers and skates all found room to roam.
Pickleballs popped and the ice shone bright,
Volunteers kept it humming both morning and night.
Turkeys roamed Main Street, feathered and free,
Kagawong’s Gobble Brigade (unofficially);
They stopped cars by standing, they nudged bikes aside,
Kagawongians carried on, taking it all in their stride.
The town hired a helper, to keep seniors spry,
She jump in at once with a twinkle in her eye.
Through socials and programs both lively and grand,
Folks found healthy habits and friends close at hand.
Island Singers filled the room with songs in the air,
Kagawongians among them with voices to share.
Each note lifted spirits, each song hit the mark,
And left everyone humming long after it got dark.
Five hundred columns, a feat to behold,
With tales of our town, both new and the old.
From cranes to the Pickledome, antics and delight,
We hope that our puns have kept spirits bright.
Another year older, but wiser - not likely.
If we missed your birthday, we apologize contritely.
To all near and far, we raise up a cheer -
May laughter and puns follow you through the new year!
