ELY – Nearly two dozen carloads of Christmas carolers came together in the former Shopko parking lot here Sunday afternoon to participate in a yuletide tradition, COVID-style.
Grace Lutheran Church’s Pastor Eric Thiele expanded on the age of coronavirus fellowship for his church community, started in August with weekly Sunday services, in the expansive parking lot of the former Shopko retail shopping center.
“We wanted to gather together to celebrate the Christmas season with a sing-along,” Thiele said as he greeted participants and directed them to drive their cars into orderly rows facing the storefront.
Participants were asked to tune their car radios to 88.1 FM and sing along with Debbie and Jay Mackie and Dean Dewberry, who were stationed at the store entrance with simulcast audio broadcasting equipment. Song sheets were available on the church’s website to print out.
Byron and Alice Moren, of Ely, were in the front row in their hybrid vehicle, along with their daughter, Peggy Stolley, who recently moved back home from New Hampshire.
“It is such a nice day and what a beautiful way to celebrate Christmas during these times,” Alice said. Byron was decked out in his “Merry Christmas” hat for the event.
“This is a nice way to gather together for Christmas and still stay safe during this pandemic,” Alice added.