2017 first weekend

The first Friday and Saturday of 2017 was rainy and wet but everyone had a good time.  We're all hoping to dry weather from now on. 

First train of 2017

Well, we've got our first train of 2017 under our belts.  It was a rainy night but I'm hoping that everyone had a great time.  I would love to post some pictures here but I left my camera in Ashley.  Hopefully today will be dry while the train is in town.  Come and join the fun and see how we're celebrating our 5th year.  Also, please check out our facebook page.  There are photo's there.
https://www.facebook.com/villageofashley

Sneak Peek

We've been really busy getting ready for Christmas.  Can you believe it's less than two weeks before the first train comes.  We've changed a few things and move some things around so here's a sneak peek.  See if you can figure out what we're doing.  And when you come to Ashley see if you can find all of these things.

Supplies needed

We received this message from the Ashley School.

As we are working on items to be sold at the school store during the Ashley Country Christmas, we have found that we are in need of some of the following items. So, if you happen to have any of these items that you do not plan to use and would be willing to donate please let me know. Then we can work our creative magic on these items to raise funds. (Okay, may be a step by step YouTube video directions)  🚂

Mason Jars (any size)

Fabric pieces (any size)

Lace Ribbon

Ribbon- width 1/2 inch - 1 inch (any color) 

Doilies 

Scrap-booking paper

These items can be left at the school. 

Help wanted

We’re going to be decorating the village for Christmas and we’d like your help. Many hands make light work.  We’ll be putting up all the outside decorations for the Village of Ashley Country Christmas.

So mark your calendars for November 4^th and November 11^th and we hope to see everyone there.  Meet at the Remenar Building for instructions.  

Sawdust Santas

It takes many volunteers to put on an event like the Country Christmas and I would like to introduce one of our elves and let him tell you what he does.

My name is Pete Eisinger and I am the founder of the Sawdust Santas wooden toy & gift charity and head elf of the Sawdust Santa volunteers here in Laingsburg, Michigan.  This is our 9th year of existence and our mission is to build, package and deliver heirloom quality, wooden, handcrafted toys and gifts to underprivileged youth.  Over the years we have expanded from serving just Laingsburg and Perry area schools to serving 2 Owosso elementary schools and Ashley schools.  We are continuing to grow each year and currently have nearly 100 elves who volunteer in excess of 2,200 hours each year.

You will also find us running Santa’s workshops in conjunction with the North Pole Express steam locomotive trips.  Our workshop offers a chance for kids to build themselves a wooden car, steam engine, hardwood train or  colorfully painted wooden animals for a nominal fee.  These workshops not only serve as a fundraiser, but also energize Santa’s elves by sharing the wonder of Christmas as seen in the eyes of every child that attends.  You can also find us by searching for Sawdust Santas on FaceBook. 

Merry Christmas!

Pete Eisinger

Head Elf - Sawdust Santas

Here are pictures from last year at Ashley Country Christmas.

Help wanted.

The elves have been busy getting ready for your trip to Ashley on the North Pole Express.  They've sewed, painted, built things, moved things around and added new experiences just for you to enjoy.  We hope you'll come and enter our magical Christmas town.  Enjoy entertainment, food, shops and much more.  And of course Santa will be there so the children can visit him and give him their wish list.  After that they can visit Santa's workshop and make a toy to take home. 
This all takes a lot of work from many volunteers.  If you would like to be involved we've got lots of opportunities.  Every Thurs. we meet for a work day.  Everyone is welcome.  Meet at the Community Center at 9:00 and find out what we'll be working on that day. 
We also have many volunteer positions to be filled during the Country Christmas.  If you're interested in helping then please contact Connie Andersen for more information.  989-620-5088.
Hope to see you all at the Country Christmas.