Rising From the Ashes: Middletown Celebrates Christmas (Photos)

Photos and Article by Al Francis, NapaSonomaPhotos

Braving the cold and light drizzle, residents of the little town of Middletown came out to support each other and enjoy the annual “Christmas In Middletown” Saturday. It was just three months ago that a firestorm devastated the community, destroying 1,200 homes and businesses.

The three or so blocks that make up the downtown area of Middletown -- nestled in Lake County with Mt St. Helena as a backdrop -- were filled with children, families and friends who, in one way or another, were effected by the deadly fire that burned more then 76,000 acres last summer in addition to two other huge wildfires near Lower Lake about 10 miles north of Middletown. (Click on the first photo below this story to launch the slideshow. The joy on their faces should melt some of your holiday stress!)

The annual holiday event included horse rides, goodies and treats, and games from local merchants, and a visit from Santa who arrived fittingly via a fire truck. There was a long line of children and parents awaiting his arrival outside in the park gazebo.

There was also trio playing music for visitors to the Middletown Art Association that was packed throughout the late afternoon and early evening.

At one end of town on Highway 29, Chris Dredge, of Middletown was decorating a car with Christmas lights. Dredge works for Five Star Towing. The car was one of some 1,000 cars that were burned in the Middletown/Cobb Mountain fire that will be hauled off for scrap metal.

At the United Methodist Church, a block off the main stree, a performance of the 20th annual Christmas Pageant & Feast with drama, singing, and a Christmas feast in the great hall with Lords and Ladies, mistresses, maidens and guards. The nobles (audience) were presented and announced to the gathering with the family shield name (last name) and where hence they traveled from (home town).

According to the musical director Marie Schrader, who has a home overlooking Clear Lake, the proceeds assist feeding people in need and helping fire victims. She added that a donor purchased 30 dinner/performance tickets for fire victims to attend the festive event.

Earlier fire coverage:

• Napa Humane Needs Volunteers to Care for Victims of Valley Fire
• Another Body Found in Valley Fire
• President Obama Issues Disaster Declaration For Valley Fire Area
• Emergency Repair Grant Awarded for Valley Fire Damage
• Valley Fire Now the 3rd Worst in California History
• Valley Fire Survivors Embark on Trek Down Long Road to Recovery
• Wildfire Ash May be Toxic
• Livermore Business Accepting Donations for Fire Victims
• Napa Valley Vintners Make Generous Donation to Valley Fire Victims
• Berryessa Estates Evacuation Order Lifted
• 2 More Bodies Discovered in Valley Fire
• Cadaver Dogs Search for Missing Residents in Valley Fire
• Valley Fire Already the 9th Most Destructive in California History
• Valley Fire Increases to 70,000 Acres, Still 30 Percent Contained
• Valley Fire at 67,200 Acres, 30 Percent Contained
• Pets and Livestock Being Rescued From Valley Fire Evacuation Area
• Wildfire Victim Was Disabled; Containment Doubles in One Day
• Highway Through Hell: Video Shows Driver’s Escape from Valley Fire Inferno
• One Dead as Valley Fire Explodes to 61,000 Acres, 5 Percent Containment
• Elderly, Disabled Woman Trapped in Home, Died in Valley Fire
• FEMA Grant to Cover Valley Firefighting Costs
• Evacuated Fire Victims Settling into Tent City