When I was downtown earlier this afternoon, I spotted decorations for both of these upcoming events.

A group of men were putting American flags up on the lightpoles throughout the downtown streets. The American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 58 started putting the flags up downtown for patriotic holidays starting with this past Memorial Day. Veteran’s Day is tomorrow.

Also today, a woman was decorating the downtown courtyard stage with a sleigh and other Christmas related items. I assume the decorations are for this weekend’s Christmas kickoff downtown. At around 7 p.m. Friday evening, lights on a downtown tree and downtown buildings will turn on. Santa will be present. Carriage rides and more will be available.

The sight downtown gave me a proud patriotic feeling and a warm holiday feeling. Can’t beat that on a Tuesday afternoon.

- Nancy Hull Rigdon