Although there’s not as much snow on the North Fork as we expect in mid-December, it’s still the holiday season.

I attended a Christmas party at the Chrisman home in Kalispell this week and enjoyed seeing several North Fork neighbors. Esther Chrisman has a beautiful home and is as much a joy to see and visit as when she’s at home on the North Fork. Likewise her daughter Kari Wiley and son Allen, who now helps Esther with hosting duties. Allen does a great job combining rum and eggnog.

Also at the party was Garnet Chrisman, who used to own the Madam Queen cabin on what is now Garnet Lake, and her daughter, Debby, who I had not seen in years. Same thing with Ed and Cecily McNeil and their son, Allen. The McNeils are longtime North Forkers, but advancing years keep them in town more than before.

That was the opening party with more to follow. Next bash is at the Grahams on Saturday at Polebridge Heights and, of course, the big feast at Sondreson Hall on Christmas Day will be a warm-up for the blowout party at Sondreson Hall on New Year’s Eve.

Finally, on New Year’s Day, Trail Creekers and other North Forkers will gather by the river for the annual New Year’s Beach Party. Not much swimming or sunbathing, but great and plentiful food and top-notch company.

The next thing about North Fork social events, along with large amounts of great food, is the diversity of the people.

We have Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians and all breeds of religions, environmentalists, rednecks and others. The only group that seems to be missing are nudists, and that might be because of the bugs in the summer and the cold winters.

Because each group is relatively small, there’s a need for us to get along. We all rely on our neighbors in cases of emergency. Whether the emergency is a mechanical breakdown or a medical one, you can count on neighbors to get you to town for parts or medical help. Anyone going to town will bring back needed items even if you cancel each other out at the ballot box.

Actually, even our differences build a stronger community. Although we put aside differences at social events, we do discuss and discuss items of community interest and, out of those discussions come solutions, even if solutions come slower than we might wish.

All you really have to do is state your opinion and then listen to those who disagree. If either of you move, even a fraction of an inch, you are closer to a solution than you were before.

What do you think?

P.S. Our winter paving is coming soon. The next big snow will fill the potholes.