("Jingle Bells") - Good evening.

And thank you for joining us tonight whether live or online.

My name is Adam Rudebusch, co-director with my wife, Jennifer, and writer of tonight's show.

Before we begin, I'd like to share just a few unique points of tonight's show that will benefit from yours, the audience's participation to help bring our show to life.

At various points throughout the show, you will see our sound effects engineer, Brandon Matson, hold up and applause card.

When he does so, you are free to applaud.

(audience applauding) Indeed though, whooping, whistling and dancing on the stage are discouraged as those elements of ululation would not be entirely appropriate for tonight show setting.

There will also be two points at which Mr. Matson holds up a hubbub card, once near the beginning of the show, to help us transition to a flashback and once to signal the entrance of the Ingalls family, to the town Christmas pageant, at these points, we kindly ask you to turn to your neighbor and hold a very brief conversation.

Ask them or tell them whatever you like.

How's the weather?

Have you put up your Christmas tree yet?

Has your hay become dry enough to twist?

We'll ask you to create this hubbub for about five seconds and Mr. Matson will help you gauge that passage of time by slowly lowering his card and as he does so, you can slowly lower your volume until you fade out when his card reaches the table.

So let's give it just a quick try.

First, Mr. Matson, let us know it's all right to applaud.

(audience applauding) Thank you.

And now let's create some hubbub.

(audience hubbubs) Oh, beautiful, excellent.

Thank you, everyone.

Go ahead and give yourselves a hand, applause.

(audience applauding) Thank you again, not only for being here to watch our show, but also for now, being a part of it.

Please join us after the show for cookies and some hot cocoa out in the auditorium.

And now without further ado, Mr. Jim Thompson will formally begin our show with some words from our sponsors.

- Thank you, Adam.

And thank you, Marian Cramer for writing these a long time friend.

When Alphabet Fuller came to the Prairie town of De Smet to establish a hardware in 1980, he had good credit, but needed additional funds, that trustworthy money lender with importance in the early time and still is today Van Fishback and First Bank & Trust in Brookings, filled this bill and they proudly sponsor and support this afternoon's Christmas Radio Play.

In February '79, Charles Ingalls had been searching for a claim.

He came home and he said to Caroline, "It's just right and it's only a mile from De Smet.

I found our homestead."

He said, "It was on the edge of the big slew where pa could gather extra hay, and pump the waterfowl that landed there."

The Sullivan family worked to develop today's Ingalls homestead known as the Ingalls Living History Farm.

Visitors, explore a dugout, look at and marvel at the organization of the Mervy Chante an original 1877 Kingsbury County Home.

They can twist hay or make rope and ride across the Prairie in a covered wagon to a country school.

It's a pleasant place, tall grass fields, and wide horizons filled with the melody of bird song.

This is Laura's Living Prairie.

When Laura was a little girl, the weather was bad and she thought Santa could not come for Christmas, but surprise on Christmas morning, Santa had come and brought her a tin cup with candy.

And at the bottom of that cup, a shiny penny.

Laura was a careful saver.

The family moved again.

Laura was going to school and needed a slate pencil that cost one penny.

She knew where that penny was and so she bought the slate pencil.

Banks were a part of the earliest De Smet business over a century has passed, and just as Laura knew it, it was important to save American Bank & Trust offers full service banking to their customers, and they proudly support today's Christmas Radio Play.

The homestead wife stood in the yard, watching her husband, walking with the plow, pulled by his trustee team, turn over the black virgin soil.

He turned 25 furrows and their house barn and chicken coop were left on a safe green island.

He said, "This firebreak is insurance against the raging inferno of a huge Prairie fire."

Small groups of farmers often gathered in homes or township halls, and talked about forming a mutual protection group to help with loss from fire and wind.

Today, we can ensure our home through De Smet Farm Mutual Insurance of South Dakota, and they probably marked their 105th birthday this year.

Ema Lorex was a Swedish farm boy from Oldham, South Dakota.

After graduating from Arlington High School and Dakota State College, he was drafted into the U.S. Army Air Corps.

He was a pilot when Armistice Day, November 11th ended the war.

Emo married and lived on the family farm, farming was his love, but he became a mover and shaker of the cooperative movement, and in particular, the South Dakota Farmer's Union.

The farmers union is all about keeping the family farm a successful operation.

They work with youth just as Laura did in her school house, providing educational seminars in camp settings.

Farmer's union examines the past, works in the present and prepares for the future.

We're proud to have them as sponsors of our Christmas Radio Play.

("O Come Let us Adore Him) And a very, very Merry Christmas everyone.

Laura's Little Town on the Prairie welcomes you to enjoy our Saturday afternoon Christmas pageant.

As it might've been held in our little Prairie town in the 1880s.

One such pageant was recorded as being held in the early afternoon on a winter's day, much like today, because not only open Prairie leaving home at night could be dangerous.

Falling snow and cold winds.

Deep snowdrifts hidden in darkness made safe travel impossible at times.

Little towns built along tracks faced many of the same problems as homesteaders, but they could lend a helping hand to one another.

This pageant day, country folks filling the streets, made a storekeeper say, the promise of free land brought folks here, they seem to have come from everywhere.

Reaching far, far out across the Prairie were little sod, shanties and wooden claim shacks each with a chimney, puffing smoke from burning hay twists.

Howling winds rattled, the small doors and windows.

It was not easy to keep warm.

Sickness, shortage of food, accidents waiting to happen and loneliness made every day a challenge.

However, even with hardships, people were making a go of it.

While the Ingalls family lived in De Smet winters were especially hard.

There were few well-built insulated dwellings.

There were very few trees to block the strong, cold gusts of wind and folks had to rely on their own stores of firewood and coal that came on trains.

And as you might know, many Prairie pioneers had to resort to burning twisted hay, to survive a winter in Dakota territory.

So it's not surprising to learn that as our story opens, Laura Ingalls is struggling to feel the warm spirit of Christmas.

Even the prospects of a town Christmas pageant does little to lift her spirits.

However, little does Laura know that this Christmas season holds a special gift.

But that gift is still a few hours away as she helps her mother clear the noon dinner dishes.

- Oh pa, it feels like winter's never going to end.

It's so cold and lonely out here on the Prairie.

- Well, it certainly has been a cold winter, Laura, but, well, that's just part of life here.

However, the frost sure is pretty when it covers the long stem grasses and the sun makes it sparkle, so.

- And don't forget playing in the snow with Carrie and Grace, Laura.

You girls meet a lovely snowman last week.

Those cattail stems worked so well for arms (laughs) and that cattail nose.

- But it gets dark so early.

The sun set well before five o'clock last night.

- Well, sometimes when it's cold and dark outside, we need to make our own light and warmth inside.

- I'm tired of just sitting around the fire so much.

- I don't know if that's what your father means my dear.

- Whoa!

Evening Ingalls, Caroline, everyone ready for the Christmas pageant?

- We are just about ready, Rob.

I'm just finishing with my hair.

- Is that what you're doing Ma?

Why do you keep putting that little scissor rod over the lamp?

- Well, Laura, when I wrap my hair around this hot metal, it sets my hair in curls.

I can do yours as well if you like.

(laughing) - Like, I don't know that we have time.

- We'll just take a moment, Charles.

Why don't you go out and show rob your new milk cow.

- I heard you had a new milk cow, I'd be glad to have a look.

- Well, that's not all that impressive.

I actually heard about it from a fellow who came in from Ponce last fall.

- There that's better, come over here by the fire Laura.

Go ahead and sit down.

Oh my, I let that get a little too hot.

- Does it hurt?

- Oh, heavens no.

And you'll look so pretty when we're finished.

I remember the first time I curled my hair.

It was actually for a Christmas party, much like we're going to this afternoon where I first met your father.

(soft music) - Oh, my Caroline.

What a sight!

This may very well be the nicest Christmas gathering we've ever attended.

- I don't remember any so splendid as this, and the music.

There's Mr. Schmidt on his guitar, Jesse on the upright bass, and who's that man playing the fiddle?

I don't recognize him.

- Why Caroline!

You know very well who that is.

That is Charles Ingalls.

- Charles?

I didn't recognize him.

I did not know that he played the fiddle.

Oh my, he plays a marvelously, doesn't he?

- Are you sure it is the playing you're so taken with?

- Oh, Martha!

Don't tease me.

(soft music) - There, they're taking a break.

I'm going to go over and tell him how much you admire his playing.

- Martha Elizabeth, don't you dare!

Come back here.

- Oh Caroline, I was just joshing you.

I wasn't going to go.

- No, I don't want you to tell him because I'm going to tell him myself.

- Oh my!

What has gotten into you Caroline?

- I think the music inspired me.

Excuse me, for a moment, Martha.

- Well, if you'd be in the market for help next spring, I certainly could lend a hand there.

(clears throat) - Good evening, Mr. Ingalls.

- Why Caroline Quiner, you look.

I mean, Ms. Quiner, it is a pleasure to see you this evening.

- And it is a pleasure to hear your fiddle music as well Charles, I didn't know you played.

- Well long ago, my father taught me to work hard, but my mother reminded me that while hard work is good and necessary, I needed something else to stand out from the crowd as well.

She gave me my first fiddle and I sure do enjoy playing.

- And I certainly enjoy listening.

- Oh!

Well, perhaps I could play a song for you sometime Caroline.

When spring comes, we could take a picnic out by the stream in the meadow and I could play and you could sing.

- I think I'd like that very much, Charles.

I would like that very much.

- Oh, ma, and did you do that?

Did you go on a picnic in the spring?

- Oh yes, Laura, but your father called on me many times before spring came that year.

I think we both knew we had found someone very special that night.

- I wish it were spring again.

Look outside, Pa and Mr. Boast looked frozen to the bone.

I detest winter!

- Now, Laura.

- Well, she's a beauty.

I'm awfully happy for you Ingalls.

- (laughs) Thank you, Rob.

I'm pretty pleased myself.

Well, Caroline are you and the girls ready for the Christmas pageant?

Rob's offered to drive us into town.

- We are indeed.

Laura, if you'll put Grace's coat on and help Carrie with hers, I'll get my own and we'll be on our way in the sleigh.

You always look forward to winter sleigh rides.

("Jingle Bells") - And now we'd like to take a moment to recognize those sponsors who helped make this afternoon possible.

Wide, quiet tree-shaded streets welcome visitors to De Smet, Laura Ingalls Wilder's little town.

Home to 1100 residents.

That's a good place for walking, taking in some history, visiting with friends and making new ones, eating and shopping.

Our town is the seat of Kingsbury County and blends its historical past and charm with modern industrial park and businesses.

When you're ready to rest your head after taking it all in check in at the super deluxe in, that'll complete your stay.

Caroline Ingalls laid out her salvaged wrapping paper and began to make a pattern for a dress she saw in the newspaper.

She was a gifted creative seamstress, Spirit Valley Manufacturing, creating apparel made in the USA, just like ma's dress, is proud to sponsor our Christmas Radio Play.

It's designs are available online.

Long ago De Smet residents shopped at the Loftus Store, which was loaded with barrels, baskets, crocs, and shelves that stretched from floor to ceiling.

Their orders were filled by a clerk, today, we enjoy getting together at De Smet Mercantile and Coffee House to enjoy coffee, SDSUI ice cream, books and many other De Smet related gifts.

Their hours are Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Homesteaders carrying pack dishes to pass gathered in crowded church halls.

They were hungry for good food and good conversation.

The De Smet event and wellness center is a proud sponsor of this performance.

The center is a place that family and friends, both old and new hungry for gathering can come together.

The homesteader with a canvas bag on his arm, walked through the golden wheat field, choosing and gathering perfect heads of wheat, his gathered wheat would be next year's seed.

This year's production is brought to you in part by Prairie Ag Partners.

They can assist with all of your ag needs.

An 1800s gold leaf sign pointed to a second storey office.

And it said, "Dr. Hickman Upstairs."

The sign survived and sparkled for 70 years.

Lyle Signs of De Smet, a long standing major manufacturer and Laura's Little Town on the Prairie, knows the importance of good signage and takes great pride in their products.

They're also proud to be a sponsor of this Christmas radio program.

A widowed Norwegian homesteader known as a healer shared making homemade onion poultices with her patients.

One of her patients said, "Survive the smell and be healed."

Ultimed is proud to be celebrating 20 years of manufacturing, medical products for diabetes patients and pets in De Smet, and is looking forward to many more great years in De Smet, as well as sponsoring this Christmas Radio Play.

The little town on the Prairie's Christmas pageant was to be held in the new Couse Opera House.

De Smet was proud of its opera house.

Edward Couse, one of the little towns, earliest settlers arrived with money to build a large brick building on a corner of main street.

While the first floor would hold businesses.

The second floor was truly a grand opera house reached by an outside stairway, leading to the elegant entrance.

The auditorium was spacious and beautiful featuring hardwood floors and hammered metal walls and ceiling.

Stadium seats were fastened to wooden runners that could be slid into storage for the space to double as a dance floor.

Like so many Prairie towns De Smet's pioneer residents, keenly knew and felt the cutting winter winds and long nights, but they stood against the cold and darkness together.

Organizing Christmas gatherings that included food, friends and festive music.

While some of those gatherings were a bit like a church, social mingled with a school Christmas concert, the entertainment wasn't left purely to the children.

Everyone who might have a talent to share took the stage with a song and instrument or declamatory reading.

(audience hubbubs) - Oh, Caroline, how good to see you?

You and your daughters looked so lovely this evening.

- Thank you so much, Ella, you and the others have done a beautiful job decorating, the community is so lucky to have families willing to organize a Christmas pageant like this.

And I'm glad the weather cooperated.

It's not every winter afternoon that allows us to safely travel into town.

- It certainly is cold, but I stepped out earlier and the sky is absolutely crystal clear.

We'll see many stars tonight.

Even the Milky way, stretching across the sky, I imagine.

- It's certainly is beautiful.

And we couldn't have asked for a nicer afternoon.

- And how are you this afternoon, Laura?

- My feet are cold.

- Oh Laura, a beautiful afternoon of music, food and friends, and all you can say is that your feet are cold.

- Well, they are.

- Why don't you come with me, Laura?

Let's get some cider before the program begins.

- All right.

I guess some cider would be good.

What are in those little bags that the children have?

- Oh, Mr. Sherwood brought those for the little ones.

There are peanuts, Christmas candies and a big red apple in each one.

- Oh my!

I'll have to take one of those for Carrie and one for Grace.

I might try one of her peanuts here too.

Isn't it expensive and time consuming to make up all those bags.

Why do they do it?

- Well, I suppose that it's one of their ways of giving back to the community.

Letting folks know that there are those who care about them.

- Hmm, that's a nice thing to do.

Say who is that man sitting over there, all by himself?

- Oh that's Mr. Hanson.

- I don't think I've seen him before.

- No, he doesn't go out much.

I believe he came out to homestead after his wife and daughter passed away sometime ago.

I think he pretty much stays out on his farm and keeps to himself.

I'm surprised he's coming to town for the pageant.

- He looks so sad, someone should go sit by him.

What a wonderful idea Laura.

Why don't you go wish him a Merry Christmas and invite him to sit by your family?

- But I don't even know him.

Oh, I suppose I could.

Merry Christmas, sir.

- Excuse me.

Oh, um.

Thank you.

- You're very welcome.

My name is Laura Ingalls and that over there is my ma and baby sister Grace.

Over there is my Pa and that's my little sister Carrie bobbing for apples over there.

What's your name?

- I'm Bill Hanson, Laura.

- Well, I'm very pleased to meet you Mr. Hanson.

Would you care to sit by us during the pageant?

We have plenty of open chairs by us and I think it would be nice.

- I don't know.

- Oh, let's hurry, the show is starting.

- Oh, I don't know.

- You can sit right here.

Mr. Hanson, next to me - All right, then.

- Oh look, Mr. Boast is going up to the stage.

(audience applauding) - Good afternoon, everyone.

I'm glad to see you all here this afternoon.

I have the privilege of acting as master of ceremonies here at this afternoon's Christmas jollification.

It is important that we all do what we can to help each other, especially this time of year.

Speaking of helping each other, thank you to all those who help decorate, prepare refreshments for our program.

My dear wife, Ella, Dan Loftus, Carter Sherwood, and Mr. Tinkham, everything looks so nice and we all enjoyed this rare opportunity to be all together on a December day.

Well, without further interruption then I would like to introduce Mr. Howl and Ms. Owens and Mr. King, as they play for us Hark the Herald Angels Sing.

("Hark the Herald Angels Sing") (audience applauding) Next, we will be graced with a dramatic reading of Charles Gamage Eastman's poem, A Snow-Storm scene in a Vermont winter.

Mrs. Gruenhagen asked me to make a note that while this selection may deviate slightly from the general jollification of the rest of the afternoon, it is an important reminder for all of us on the sunny winter's afternoon, that this season offers dangerous to everyone in our latitude, whether in the Hills of Vermont or out in the wide open Prairie.

And that it is better to be reminded now than after a tragedy.

- A Snow-Storm by Charles Gamage Eastman.

"Tis' a fearful night in the winter time, as cold as it ever can be.

The roar of the blast is heard like the chimes of the waves on an angry sea.

The moon is full, but her silver light, the storm dashes out with its wings tonight, and over the sky from south to north, not a star is seen, as the wind comes forth in the strength of a mighty glee.

Such a night as this to be found abroad in the drifts and the freezing air sits a shivering dog in the field by the road with the snow and his shaggy hair.

He shuts his eyes to the wind and growls, he lifts his head and he moans and howls.

Then crouching low from the cutting sleet, his nose is pressed on his quivering feet.

Pray.

What does the dog do there?

A farmer came from the village plane, but he lost the traveled way.

And for hours he trod with might and mane a path for his horse and sleigh, but colder still the cold winds blew, and deeper still the deep drifts grew and his mare a beautiful Morgan brown at last in her struggles, floundered down where a log in a hollow lay.

In vain, with a neigh and a frenzied snort, She plunged in the drifting snow, while her master urged, till his breath grew short, with a word and a gentle blow.

But the snow was deep, and the tugs were tight.

His hands were numb and had lost their might.

So he wallowed back to his half-filled sleigh, and strove to shelter himself till day, with his coat and the buffalo.

He has given the last faint jerk of the rein, to rouse up his dying steed.

And the poor dog howls to the blast in vain, for help in his master's need.

For awhile he strives with a wistful cry to catch a glance from his drowsy eye, and wags his tail if the rude winds flap the skin of the buffalo over his lap, and whines when he takes no heed.

The wind goes down and the storm is o'er.

Tis the hour of midnight, past; the old trees writhe and bend no more in the whirl of the rushing blast.

The silent moon with her peaceful light looks down on the hills with snow all white.

And the giant shadow of Camel's Hump, the blasted pine and the ghostly stump, afar on the plain are cast.

But cold and dead by the hidden log are they who came from the town.

The man in his sleigh, and his faithful dog, and his beautiful Morgan brown.

In the wide snow-desert, far and grand, with his cap on his head and the reins in his hand.

The dog with his nose on his master's feet, and the mare half seen from the crusted sleet, where she lay when she floundered down.

(audience clapping) - Thank you, Mrs. Gruenhagen for this tragic yet touching reminder.

Though we have beautiful weather this winter afternoon it is important to remember of the dangers of our Prairie home.

Now I would like to share with you one of my own favorite Christmas poems, A Visit from Saint Nicholas by Clement Clark Moore.

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the.

- As Laura listened to Mr. Boast read about St. Nicholas, she remembered her own years as a young child, awaiting his Christmas visit and thought about how Carrie must be looking forward to a peppermint stick and a small gift in her own stocking on Christmas morning.

As Mr boast finished, she couldn't help but share with her mother the joy that that memory brought her.

- And I heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

(audience applauding) - With all the cold and dark, I had almost forgotten about St. Nicholas.

- It is important to have something happy to look forward to, especially when it's cold and dark.

Anticipating good things to come is a way to help us through hard times.

- I will remember that ma.

- And now a word from this afternoon's sponsors.

Cap Garland's mother operated a boarding or a rooming house on Second Street.

It was a lot of work and she depended on her son who was a reliable helper.

Today's bed and breakfast Prairie House Manor on the corner of Third Street and Highway 25 welcomes you for your Christmas Radio Play visit.

Charles Ingalls came to De Smet to keep books for the railroad and be their paymaster.

His sister, Dossie's husband Hiram, who was the railroad hiring agent said he needed Charles's help.

Rondasifka also came to De Smet to help by keeping books, but not for the railroad.

Ronda's specialty is Ag tax issues.

Sina was a 13 year old farm girl who was house help for one of the big houses in town.

The lady she worked for sent her out with dirty laundry to take to Mrs Ingalls house every Monday morning.

She would pick up the clean clothes that Caroline had washed on Wednesday.

The wash tub on the corner of Joliet Avenue and Highway 14, have plenty of machines to make your laundry days a breeze.

Railroad surveyors walked through horse belly, deep grass with their measuring instruments, planning the track for the railroad.

The railroad built a house for the surveyors on Silver Lake.

In the winter of 1879, Charles Ingalls and his family moved into the surveyor's house for the winter.

This original house can be visited at the Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society in De Smet.

It's the oldest structure existing in De Smet.

The Memorial Society is pleased to sponsor this afternoon's performance of our Christmas Radio Play.

("O Come Let us Adore Him") And now faithful listeners, the final portion of our show.

- Next Charles Ingalls has agreed to share with us a Christmas song on his fiddle.

What will you be playing for us, Charles?

(laughing) - Thank you, Rob.

I think I'll play one of the favorites of the joy to my world, Caroline, Joy to the World.

("Joy to the World") (audience applauding) - Oh man, that was marvelous!

It made me feel so warm inside.

Even old.

Mr. Hanson is smiling.

- Good music does that, Laura.

Good music does that.

- What did you think, Mr. Hanson?

- Oh, that was marvelous.

All this lovely music reminds us of Christmases with my little family, before... Before they passed.

Back east.

I remember that my little girl so loved to sing Auld Lang Syne with her mother and me.

Singing with them was a joy that I will always carry with me.

Tonight reminds me of those joys.

I would give almost anything to hear that song again.

- Just a moment, Mr. Hanson .

Mr. Boast, Mr. Boast, may I sing a song?

- Laura Ingalls, you certainly may.

What would you like to sing?

- Auld Lang Syne.

- Then without further ado, ladies and gentlemen De Smet's own Laura Ingalls, singing Auld Lang Syne.

- Thank you, Mr. Boast.

♪ Should all acquaintance be forgot ♪ ♪ And ♪ ♪ Never ♪ - Oh my!

I'm afraid Laura doesn't know the words very well.

- I have an idea, Caroline.

♪ Should old acquaintance ♪ ♪ Be forgot ♪ ♪ And days of old lang syne ♪ ♪ For auld lang syne, my dear ♪ ♪ For auld lang syne ♪ ♪ We'll take a cup of kindness yet ♪ ♪ For auld lang syne ♪ ♪ For auld lang syne, my dear ♪ ♪ For auld lang syne ♪ ♪ We'll take a cup of kindness yet ♪ ♪ For auld lang syne ♪ - As the afternoon wore on, Laura reflected on what changes had taken place between her earlier dejection at home and the sense of elation that she was feeling now.

As the afternoon, came to a close and De Smet's town folk made their way down the stairs of the Couse Grand Opera House, Laura shared her reflections with her mother and father.

- Oh ma, the music, all our friends, this beautifully decorated room.

It's all so, so lovely.

Why can't we do this every day?

(laughing) - It is good to be with friends, and to do the things we enjoy Laura, but especially now this time of year.

- Yes, I understand ma, I guess that even though it's so cold and dark outside right now, together with our family and our friends, we can make our own light and warmth.

(laughing) - I couldn't have said it better myself Laura, you are growing up to be quite the wise young woman.

It was quite the night.

Did you have fun, dear?

- Oh, Pa, I had more than just have fun.

Thank you for bringing me with tonight and thank you for, well, for just being my mother and father.

It doesn't matter if it's cold and dark, as long as we're together.

- We're glad we're here with you too, Laura, Merry Christmas my dear.

- Merry Christmas Laura.

- Merry Christmas.

Merry, Merry Christmas.

("Auld Lang Syne") - In tonight's production.

The role of Laura was played by Nicole Berg.

(audience clapping) Mr. Boast played by Gage Dobbs.

(audience clapping) Ella Boast was played by Kristy Hubbard.

(audience clapping) Martha was played by Tristin Gruenhagen.

(audience clapping) The part of Mr. Hanson was played by Neal Martens.

(audience clapping) Caroline Ingalls was played by Jennifer Rudebusch.

(audience clapping) And Charles Ingalls was played by Adam Rudebusch.

(audience clapping) Our music has been provided by the band Plum Crazy.

(audience clapping) They are composed of Craig Howl on the mandolin, and in this case base.

Amanda Owens on fiddle, Rod King on guitar and Julie King on percussion.

Our set was designed and decorated by Grace DeWall.

(audience clapping) Sound effects, engineer, Brandon Matson, (audience clapping) Sound and lighting by Jason Davis.

(audience clapping) Tonight show was written and directed by Adam and Jennifer Rudebusch.

Our ads were written and historical research conducted by Marian Cramer.

(audience clapping) And I'd like to offer a special thanks to South Dakota Public Broadcasting for their staff, being here to create this afternoon's atmosphere.

And I'm Jim Thompson.

I'd like to thank you for being with us this afternoon, as we would say in Ireland, a happy Christmas, everybody and a joyful holiday season.

("Auld Lang Syne") (audience clapping) ("Auld Lang Syne") (audience clapping) ("The First Noel")