Watonga’s Christmas is a time for giving. A tradition enriched in history, culture and religion, we show our thankfulness and love by giving gifts. Watonga Community Theatre provides a way to give gifts and help meet the needs of our own community. This weekend, bring an unwrapped toy as admission to Elfira Goes to Vegas. The show was written by Watonga’s own Amy Adams and directed by Patt Ward Curtin. You can catch this production Sunday, Dec., 10 at 2:30 and 7 and Monday, Dec., 11 at 7.
Elfira, played by Adams, is an onery, sneaky elf who seems to always find mischief. Mrs. Claus, played by Kim Coney, works tirelessly to keep her out of trouble. Somehow trouble always finds Elfira, no matter how hard she tries to be good. Elfira Goes to Vegas is the third and final show in the trilogy of Shenanigans at the North Pole. Audiences will see many familiar characters including a favorite, Dancer, played by Arianna Parkinson. If you have Dancer, you simply must have his interpreter, Roxanne, played by Denice Green.
“We are excited to present Elfira Goes to Vegas as our Christmas show this year,” Marie Tech, WCT President said. “This is the third time many of the cast have played the same characters, and they have done a great job bringing out their personalities. We are especially pleased to partner with Blaine County DHS for our 10th annual toy drive.”
For the past 10 years, Watonga Community Theatre has partnered with Blaine County DHS for the toy drive. Ninetyeight foster children are in Blaine County DHS custody. These toys will benefit the foster children and other families who have fallen into difficult times. The effort has given the DHS workers some flexibility with their foster families. Donated toys are used at Christmas time, and any extras are saved and used on birthdays, adoption days, or other special occasions.
“The toy drive has been such a blessing,” said Pam Richey, Child Welfare Supervisor. “One year we had enough cash donated we were able to buy a ham for each foster family. It was nice to be able to thank the families.”
Currently, Blaine County doesn’t have any traditional foster families. A traditional foster family is someone signed up to foster without kinship to the child; therefore, the children are sent all over the state for placement. With large sibling groups, the kids are sometimes separated, and the foster families must travel to a neutral location for visits. The cash has also helped pay for gas in these instances.
As you’re shopping for toys this year, please keep in mind there are many older kids and a few younger children. Diapers and wipes are always welcomed, and cash and