Musician Dave Para tunes up before the annual Arrow Rock Christmas Folk Sing on Sunday, Dec. 2, at Arrow Rock Federated Church. (Kathy Fairchild/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge]

The Federated Church on High Street in Arrow Rock was filled Sunday, Dec. 2, with an audience hungry for the joy of the memories and the longing for the familiar haunting melodies of the oldest carols and rounds.

Cathy Barton and Dave Para were the musical hosts for an annual ritual that's been celebrated for somewhere near 30 years, according to Kathy Borgman of the Historic Arrow Rock Council.

The group calls out favorites … "please play this one" … "let's sing this one" … and the audience sang along, adding harmonies and gusto as the songs were recalled from memory.

As the festivities began, Cathy Barton introduced "Kentucky Wassail," drawing an appreciative laugh from the congregation when Barton pointed out she and her partner had started their singing careers in the nearby Huston Tavern, "so, of course, we should sing about drinking."

In addition to the more familiar Christmas carols, Barton and Para, associated with the event since its inception, mined their extensive repertoire for lesser-known tunes like "Last Month of the Year," recorded by the Kingston Trio in 1960; "Every Star Shall Sing a Carol," by English composer Sydney Bertram Carter; and "Chocolate Burro," a traditional Spanish song.

This unique event, sponsored by the Historic Arrow Rock Council, brings in Christmas in its most fundamental form, where everyone invites the spirit in to glory in the sounds of the season.

Contact Kathy Fairchild at

marshallhealth@socket.net