Barter In Mendota

On Saturday, November 8, the Barter Players visited Mendota to entertain with their production of “I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas!"

Prior to the play, there was a sit-down holiday luncheon. We are thankful to all who worked so hard to pull off a great luncheon, the Players, and Washington County who sponsored the play. We are appreciative to WCYB who helped us get the word out. It was a true holiday event “Mendota style.” (If you have never lived in a rural community such as Mendota, you know we have our own authentic style — and it’s a good one!).

It was also a time to show off our updated dining hall. Approximately one year ago, funds from Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia and Washington County were put to good use restoring and updating the dining area and portions of the kitchen. We are so grateful that this occurred, and the following are a few pictures of how nice it now looks. Katie Harris decorated the seating area which made it look even nicer.

Our community’s nice stemware came out for this event!

Desserts were made by local baker, Maria Williamson. The desserts look so pretty on the gold rimmed Mendota china. The china has belonged to our community for at least 30 years. It’s brought out only for special occasions. Southern Living magazine has nothing on Mendota.

Another view of the room

Our Tyler District Supervisor, Saul Hernandez, was on hand and welcomed everyone and opened with prayer.

Folks attending the play were asked to provide a monetary donation or donation of canned food. Miss Riley is pictured beside the grocery cart collecting food. We filled and then emptied that cart quite a few times in the hour leading up to the play!

The donation of food or money for food was a nod to the Barter tradition where in the Great Depression, the actors bartered with local community members providing them entertainment in exchange for food.

Thank you to everyone who attended this event or worked to make the event possible.