The Popcorn Stand: Not too early for Willow Bill

Those who bother to read this Popcorn Stand know my feelings about the Christmas season (to me, it’s pretty much over by Thanksgiving). But there are two people who I don’t blame for being knee deep into Christmas by this time of year — Santa Claus and “Willow” Bill.

Yes, it’s that time of year again for “Willow” Bill Goulardt to carry on Northern Nevada’s Christmas tradition, the Willow Reindeer. It’s become such a tradition Gov. Brian Sandoval has proclaimed the second week of December as Willow Reindeer Week.

But “Willow” Bill needs help. Anyone who’s interested can help with the project from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday at the old mess hall at the Stewart Indian Colony. If necessary, “Willow” Bill is willing to work on Oct. 15 as well, but he would like to finish on Oct. 8 as he would like a day off, he said jokingly. He also said he needs lights to light up the reindeer.

In the past, more than 35,000 children in the area have helped make the reindeer. For the 19th year, the children’s work will be displayed on the State Christmas Tree. Nearly 7,000 children have had their Willow Reindeer displayed on the State Christmas Tree.

“Willow” Bill will place the Willow Reindeer in Douglas County on Nov. 19, Carson City on Nov. 26 and Reno on Dec. 3. “Willow” Bill refers to the effort as the nation’s largest art project. Any questions, call Willow at 775-842-3594.

Merry Christmas everybody.

— Charles Whisnand