by Rachel Hunter
The Town of Gouverneur and the Village of Gouverneur hosted a holiday celebration for their employees and families at the Eldon B. Conklin Gouverneur Community Center on Dec. 21.
Did you know? Holiday parties in the U.S. have a long history. Christmas was declared a federal holiday in the United States on June 26, 1870. The tradition of holiday parties began in the 1930s during the Great Depression. The Town of Gouverneur and Village of Gouverneur host their annual holiday party in appreciation of their employees, and in celebration of the continued shared municipal services and working partnership between the Town of Gouverneur and Village of Gouverneur. The annual tradition of the Town/Village Holiday Party was stymied during the years of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, and was canceled in 2023 due to the uptick in local cases. But nothing squelched the Christmas spirit at the 2024 Town/Village Holiday Celebration.
With a sparkle in their eyes, Village/Town employees and their families started arriving at about 5 p.m. for the cocktail hour. Big smiles were on the faces of the town and village employees and their families as they walked into the Eldon B. Conklin Gouverneur Community Center, noted the ornately decorated rooms and festive atmosphere, and enjoyed the fun and fellowship.
At 6 p.m., all were warmly welcomed by Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr. and Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall. All were invited to eat at the scrumptious holiday buffet. The tables were filled with Christmas ham, prime rib, poultry, pasta and meatballs, alongside many side dishes and desserts. Much appreciation was extended to all those who contributed towards the meal’s success.
At about 7 p.m., the party received a special visitor – straight from the North Pole. Jolly Old St. Nick arrived with “Merry Christmas” greetings for all, and invited all children (and adults) to visit with him at the foot of the Gouverneur Community Center’s large Christmas tree. In only moments, the children ran up to the legendary character and shared their Christmas wishes. They were followed by several adults who carried a high level of the holiday spirit in their hearts. Special holiday treats were distributed by a helper elf, Corryn Canell of Gouverneur.
Santa Claus was welcomed by Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr. and Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall, and was given a standing invitation to attend the Town/Village Holiday Celebration in future years.
Sleigh bells could be heard in the distance as Santa Claus gave his final farewells and headed back to the North Pole to prepare for his Christmas Eve deliveries to North Country children.
Town of Gouverneur Deputy Supervisor Jay Bowhall, Town Clerk Marion Bowhall and their family also distributed “Grinch dust” (colored sugar) to the local families. The annual tradition is known to help keep the magic of Christmas in the air during the holiday season.
Local dignitaries in attendance at the event included the following: Town of Gouverneur Supervisor Dave Spilman, Jr., Town of Gouverneur Deputy Supervisor Jay Bowhall, Town of Gouverneur Councilman Curran Wade, Town of Gouverneur Councilman William Infield, Gouverneur Town Clerk Marion Bowhall, Gouverneur Town Bookkeeper Diane Kelley, Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall and Former NYS Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava, newly elected Gouverneur Town Justice Frederick E. Scozzafava, Village of Gouverneur Trustee Floyd McAdam, Gouverneur Code Enforcement Officer Rick Wood, Gouverneur Dog Control Officer Dan Moyer, Town of Gouverneur Highway Dept. Supt. Michael Wainwright and staff, Gouverneur Recreation Department Director Casey Canell, among others.
There were many wishes for a “Merry Christmas” and a “Happy New Year” alongside “Happy Holidays” at the event’s conclusion. Anticipation is high for the 2025 Town/Village Holiday Celebration. For more information on the Town of Gouverneur, call 315-287-2340. For more information on the Village of Gouverneur, call 315-287-1720.