The Best Town In the World
The Daily Click
Written by Matthew Smith
A picturesque drive on a two-lane highway will lead you straight to what some call the best town you’ll ever step foot in.
Rose Prairie, a mere three-hour drive from the suburbs, is the town movies are modeled after.
It’s a town that moves at its own pace. People wander down the sidewalks on cold, fall mornings, stopping to greet their neighbors by name before heading into one of the locally owned shops that ring the square.
The town of Rose Prairie has recently been making waves, its name reaching far and wide. For over a century, their Christmas Spectacular every Christmas Eve is the town’s claim to fame. People from all over flock to the small town to see the magic of Christmas when the lights click on.
The person who makes this dream come true?
Miss Samantha Williams of Chicago was hired as the new event coordinator last Christmas.
She partnered with a local carpenter, Levi Ross, to create new attractions for the special event.
Some say that Miss Williams and all of her hard work have boosted the town’s morale.
According to lifelong resident Lori Haverford, “Miss Williams and her creativity have been a wonderful presence in our town. Since she’s taken over as the event coordinator, Rose Prairie is the best it’s ever been. ”
If you ask Miss Williams about her work, she’ll smile gratefully but give credit back to the town and its people. “There’s nothing special about me. It’s the town, the heart of the people, that makes everything worthwhile.”
Not only is Rose Prairie drawing people in for their Christmas Spectacular, but Miss Williams, with the help of Mr. Ross, has created events that draw people in for every season. The First Annual Valentine’s Day Love Festival was held this February, helping boost small businesses.
Barbara Clement, co-owner of Mama’s Cakes Bakery, had this to say: “She [Miss Williams] does a great job with community outreach. She got in contact with Rosewood College and got their Art Department to create some custom pieces. Local businesses set up booths and open their stores to different activities. It’s really helped keep business afloat after the busy holiday season. ”
The most recent business-boosting event is the town's first Fall Festival. This three-day event is the first of its kind for the small town to put on, and it did not disappoint. Families of all ages wander around the bustling town square. Businesses set up tables on the closed-off streets offering everything from smoked BBQ to gourmet sandwiches and sweet desserts. Children run around with faces painted like lions and tigers, and the occasional fairy. One of Miss Williams and Mr. Ross’ newest creations is a forty-foot-tall wooden pumpkin that was the hit of the festival.
Visitors stood in wonder in front of the massive structure that houses live pumpkins resting on shelves, each family crowding together to get photos taken by Rosewood College photography students.
Still not convinced Rose Prairies is all it’s cracked up to be?
Cheryl and Hugh Rogers were married fifteen years ago at The Lookout, the town’s namesake.
The Lookout is a field of prairie roses that bloom each spring and summer.
“We try to come here once a year. Try to relieve the day and wander through the town. It holds a special place in our hearts.”
As for this journalist, like many who visit here, I plan to one day make this special town my home.