A wonderful Coulterville afternoon

I felt it the first time I ever visited there nearly eight years ago.

There was just “something” that felt right.

Last Saturday afternoon, that feeling was confirmed once again as I spent several hours in the town of Coulterville.

This time, it was to take in the Christmas festivities in the town. That included street vendors, a parade and the highlight of the evening — Santa handing out presents to the youngsters.

That last event was something special.

My youngest child is nearly 23 years old, which means it has been quite some time since I have experienced the thrill — and sometimes horror — of youngsters meeting Santa.

As we watched inside the Gazzolo Building on Main Street, the anticipation of the youngsters waiting outside was something to behold. As they came in one by one, you could see their faces light up at the sight of Santa sitting in his chair, just waiting for a chance to find out what they wanted for Christmas.

One family was worried their two youngsters would be frightened of Santa. But their worries were not necessary as the duo hopped right on his lap and began chatting.

Another youngster was guided over to Santa and she threw a fit of rage. Screaming about this guy in a red suit.

Ah, Christmas.

The memories came flooding back about Santa. If you think about it, here’s this guy with a long, white beard and long hair dressed in what would not be seen as casual attire for an evening.

I can see why some would be a little on edge.

After they talked to Santa, they went over to see Mrs. Claus, who helped them pick out a gift. These were not just any gifts, either.

There were some great gifts that someone (a secret Santa) had spent a lot of money getting and bringing to that building for those kids. Heck, there were even a couple of lava lights; talk about reliving my youth.

We arrived a couple of hours before the parade and walked around to see everything happening. It was astonishing what Today is a New Day recovery home was offering.

This group, which sometimes goes unnoticed in Mariposa County, was offering a lot of items to anyone who needed them. From heaters to air mattresses to just about anything you can imagine.

What a great thing to see. There were no income checks or hard questioning. If you needed something, it was yours to take.

That is Coulterville.

I think last Saturday brought a little more meaning to me when it comes to Coulterville. We all know that North County is sometimes thought of as the “stepchild” of Mariposa. Whether we want to admit it or not, that is how some people feel.

Always have.

Don’t worry, the feeling is mutual when it comes to many in Coulterville, as well. They get frustrated with what they see as everything being centered around Mariposa. Rightfully so in some cases.

However, there are also many people who believe Coulterville (along with Greeley Hill and Don Pedro) are important cogs in the wheel that is Mariposa County. I certainly think that is the case and is one of the reasons we have tried so hard to include them in as much coverage that we can in this newspaper.

But beyond all of that, what I think really struck me last Saturday was how similar Coulterville is to this little town where I grew up.

In fact, Coulterville is a metropolis compared to Libertyville, Ind., a town in west-central Indiana where I was raised. Back in the day, we had a small store with a gas pump. (That’s all gone now.) That was it for retail. We did have a grain mill and fertilizer storage place, but that was about it.

Coulterville does have dining options, some retail options and a place to pull up a stool and have a cold one.

But what is has more than anything else is great people. Like Libertyville, the folks in Coulterville are kind, generous and care about their fellow humans.

These are hard-working people who live isolated from any significant population centers. In many ways, that is probably a good thing. And for some, it is their chosen path.

Generally, though, it also makes everything they do more difficult. Just going to the courthouse or even to Merced for a shopping trip is a venture.

Many travel to Sonora for various reasons, from education to retail shopping. And don’t forget, they traverse Highway 49 more than any of us.

For me, that road is a fun adventure but for them, that’s probably not how they feel. I’m sure that twisty thing they call a highway gets old — real fast.

It is understandable why many people in North County would be frustrated and feel they are left out of the loop in Mariposa County. I can understand it clearly and I’m one of those evil Mariposa people. (Well, rural Bootjack at least.)

Yet they endure — with smiles on their faces.

That was so evident during the Christmas celebration.

They even have a joke or two on themselves.

For one, Jim Rhodes, who is a friend of mine, hopped on this tiny trailer with what was allegedly a candle. They cranked on the generator and it lit up. But when it came down Main Street, the candle was not working.

Coulterville candle, he joked.

The parade announcer was honest as well, saying for those who had been to the parade before, they full well knew “not to blink” or you would miss the parade.

This sort of self-deprecating humor is one of the things that makes Coulterville such a special place. They have no issues laughing at themselves; a lesson many other people should learn.

If you can’t laugh at yourself, what good is it?

The people in North County know well their situation and they live their lives with that understanding. Sometimes it is frustrating and annoying, but other times, like last Saturday, the dividends pay off.

From the candle to the wonderful gifts given to the youth, everything about Coulterville last Saturday was wonderful. But most importantly, it was the people.

No matter their circumstances, everyone was full of cheer and laughter and that’s what it was supposed to be all about.

And it was.

I tip my (Santa) hat to everyone in Coulterville who was warm and welcoming last Saturday. It took me back to my youth, and that’s the most I could have wanted.

Greg Little is editor of the Mariposa Gazette and can be reached at greg@mariposagazette.com