"A Reedy Creek Christmas" sees success in first year

Despite signs of showers throughout the day, A Reedy Creek Christmas saw much success in the first-year event last Saturday.

"The weather wasn’t beautiful but the day was because of all of the support we received from our community," said Cassi Yarbrough who founded the event. “Friends and family showed up and we have had a great day.”

Vendors from across the county were at the event with Yarbrough having a “Best Booth” award, along with pictures with Santa, delicious food from local vendors, and talent performing on stage.

Yarbrough discussed the reasons why A Reedy Creek Christmas came about.

“Seven months to the day our home was hit with a tornado. Brother Matt [Olsen] had to come and rescue me and my daughter from all the trees in the yard and on the house. We got to the church and stayed there because my husband [Jimmy Yarbrough] was at work in New Mexico. When Brother Matt came back and got us, I bet there were 100 people in my yard from all around the community, and outside of the community to help clean everything up. It touched my heart,” said Yarbrough.

“I just wanted to put something together to give back to the community for being there for us. They went above and beyond.”

Just a few days before the event was set to take place, Pastor Olsen’s home which was the parsonage at First Baptist Church of Sharon was severely damaged by a fire. The Yarbrough family decided to do something to help the Olsen family after he had assisted them months earlier.

“We had been preparing for the event and I received a text saying his home had caught fire. We didn’t know how bad it was. I told Jimmy that we had to go check on Brother Matt. I knew then that we had to take care of our own just like they had taken care of us. Right then we decided to raise money by doing a cake auction and that all the proceeds would go to them to try and rebuild their lives.”

Yarbrough stated that they hope to continue doing the event each year and have plans to bring in more local talent along with other entertainment due to the success of this year’s event.