GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – Last Saturday morning, the who’s-who’s of Gridley came out to kick off the holiday season and enjoy a delectable Grinchmas Breakfast, hosted by the Gridley Parks and Recreation department at the Gridley Community Center.

Doors opened at 8:00 am and by 9:00, the building was packed with families and community members there to partake in the festivities! For just $5.00 a plate, the Gridley Lions volunteer power kept the hot cocoa, eggs, sausages and hotcakes coming as they cooked and served patrons throughout the 3-hour event!

While some enjoyed breakfast, others took advantage of a large crafting area, with who-helpers that assisted in the creative process. Crafters were given pens, crayons, stickers and more to create their own “ugly Christmas sweaters” that could be used as ornaments later, if one so chose.

On display at the entrance for the public’s consideration and vote, were premade gingerbread houses brought by youth of the community as part of the gingerbread contest. Over 11 houses, of all shapes and sizes, some with pounds of candy dripping from their roofs, made for some sweet competition. Each gingerbread house was given a number and those in attendance were asked to vote for their favorite in the categories of “Most Adorable”, “Most Creative” and “Most Festive.” Votes were tallied and Gridley Parks and Recreation announced that winners were: Most Adorable – Ellie Rainey; Most Festive – Lisa McConnell; Most Creative – Misty Wyrick.

Santa arrived, to spite the Grinch, and his jolly laugh and bag of candy canes put smiles on all the children’s faces as free photos with the man in red were taken. Other photo-ops included a not so terrible Grinch, who eagerly posed with any little “who” that desired a picture with the green meanie, while others took selfies at the Who-Ville selfie station.

As the sugar rush began to wear off, the grills were turned off, clean up began and the last of the community members trickled out, it was clear that the breakfast was, once again, a complete success. The Merry Grinchmas Breakfast has quickly become a holiday community favorite and for those who came out on Saturday, it is easy to see why. Don’t be a Grinch and make sure you mark your calendars for next year’s event!