Those who attended the Village Arts’ Sleigh Full of Music” concert on December 13 received an early Christmas present.

The concert featured the Heartland Civic Orchestras and choir and about 70 area residents took part in the performance.

They all did a masterful job, and it’s once again a testament to the wealth of musical talent in the Rugby area as well as the wide appreciation residents around here for the arts.

These groups spend many evenings practicing and preparing for the concert to display their talent, but more importantly to entertain audiences. About 150 attended the concert at the Tilman Hovland Auditorium. This marked the 10th year Village Arts put on a holiday concert for the community.

One of the highlights was a vocal duet accompanied by the orchestra in a couple of holiday selections.

For a community of our size to offer these musical opportunities to our residents is remarkable. It was recently reported that Rugby is the smallest city in the nation to have a civic symphony orchestra. It’s just another unique feature that sets our small town apart from so many.

Credit goes to families and individuals who are taking advantage of those opportunities to participate. For many of them, Village Arts is a family affair.

And the stars are those who have taken the time to be part of the Village Arts program. Their devotion to and love of music makes it all possible, and of course provides the community sweet sounds to enjoy throughout the year.

Be sure to thank those who are participating in these concerts, helping to mentor young musicians, conducting the choir and orchestras, or helping to contribute to these performances.

In addition to their contribution, many local individuals and businesses as well as state and local entities have also given generously to support the Village Arts program and further its development.

Rugby may be a small town on the wind swept plains of North Dakota, but its appreciation of and participation in the arts has no peer.