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The museum grounds were festively decorated
Ranger Damion takes his chili judging
responsibilities very seriously while
volunteer and chili competitor
Ale Sandoval looks on
Also available for tasting was Rose Edwards'
original 1940's "Texas Style Chili" recipe,
made with real suet and lard! In the Museum's
early days, Rose's chili was popular at the
local community Christmas gatherings. State
Park Interpreter Jean Rhyne and District Admin
Chief Patty Plumlee recreated the recipe,
which involved special requests for the obscure
ingredients at the local Mexican market, and
interpreting Rose's sometimes ambiguous
recipe notes.
Outdoor heat lamps were a new addition at the
seating areas this year, which were greatly
appreciated by the visitors on the particularly
chilly night!
Destination Lancaster, one of the biggest
promoters of our local State Parks, organized a
visit to the event for a group of 20 local and
world-wide travel bloggers and tour
companies. Interpreter Jean Rhyne hosted a
private tour of the historic grounds for the
group, in addition to a public tour, which
included a rare opportunity to view the inside
of historic Lizard Cottage temporarily
furnished with the original 1940's Monterey
Furniture.
with live greenery and ribbons, in the original
holiday style of Mr. Edwards. Over the previous
week, Interpreter Jean had diligently pillaged
four Christmas tree lots on a nightly basis for
leftover tree branches, so volunteers could
make the fresh-smelling garland, swags and
wreaths. The volunteers were often excited to
discover they had a new talent!
Just as it was in the 1940's, the local
community comes together to support each
other in the spirit of the holidays season. To
accompany the chili, The Lemon Leaf Cafe in
Lancaster donated trays of delicious
cornbread. Karen Freeman from The Feed
Store loaned straw bales for seating around the
fire, and Moses Medina donated firewood to
keep everyone toasty and the kettles hot!
The event, benefitting the Friends of the
Antelope Valley Indian Museum, could not
happen without the support of our staff and
volunteers. Museum Curator. Peggy Ronning
staffed the museum entrance and Rangers
Kevin and Damion assisted with the event
(when they weren't on chili duty!). FAVIM
Board members Don Borchers, Betsy Matheny,
John and Susan Martin, Cydnee Ashmore and
Darrell Walters, along with volunteers Jim
Quinn, Michiko Shimizu and Ale Sandoval, also
supported the event.
Cowboy Singer Michael Tcherkassky