Hailey
Holiday traditions feel extra special when they bring people together, and this year’s White Christmas at Red Rocks did exactly that. The historic Red Rocks State Historic Site in Emporia welcomed residents for an afternoon filled with music, memories, and community spirit.
This annual event has become an important part of the city’s holiday season, and this year, it also served as a heartfelt tribute to a longtime organizer who played a major role in building this tradition.
Introduction to the Event
The William Allen White Community Partnership hosted the White Christmas celebration on Sunday afternoon. The event marked the 20th year of operations for Red Rocks in its current public form.
Visitors enjoyed music, local history, and a warm, festive atmosphere inside the home of well-known journalist William Allen White.
Performances That Brought Holiday Joy
Two musical groups performed during the afternoon: the Emporia High School Vive Voce choir and the Emporia State Flute Choir. Their performances brought a cheerful and peaceful feeling to the event, helping guests experience the heart of the holiday season.
One more performer, local resident Bobbi Mylnar, was supposed to participate. However, she became ill on the day of the event and couldn’t attend.
Even so, the program stayed strong because longtime Red Rocks spokesperson and historian Roger Heineken stepped in to offer a history presentation in her place.
The Importance of History at Red Rocks
Lead organizer Marcia Lawrence shared that history has always been the greatest gift Red Rocks gives to Emporia. The home itself is filled with stories, and sharing these stories has become a major part of the White Christmas tradition.
With Heineken’s presentation, visitors were able to learn more about the past and understand why the site is so meaningful.
Honoring the Memory of Shai Scribner
This year’s White Christmas carried deeper emotions because the event was dedicated to the memory of longtime organizer Shai Scribner, who passed away earlier in the year. Scribner worked on the event for many years and helped it grow into the community tradition it is today.
Lawrence explained that they were proud to celebrate Scribner’s legacy through an event she loved so much. The gathering also took place just one day after Scribner’s celebration of life, which made the moment even more meaningful for her family and friends.
Family Reflections and Community Love
Members of Scribner’s family attended the event, including her brother, Daniel Scribner. He shared that White Christmas was the perfect way to honor his sister because it blended her two biggest passions: history and people. Seeing the community come together helped his family feel supported during a difficult time.
Looking Back at Red Rocks History
Red Rocks became a Kansas State Historic Site in 2001. It officially opened to the public in its current form in 2005. Since then, it has hosted countless events, tours, and school visits, making it an important cultural and educational site for people of all ages.
Here is a simple table showing key moments in Red Rocks history:
Simple Table:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2001 | Designated as a Kansas State Historic Site |
| 2005 | Grand opening to the public |
| 2025 | Celebrated 20 years of public operations |
Why the Event Matters to the Community
White Christmas at Red Rocks is not just a holiday event. It is a celebration of community, tradition, and shared memories. Through music, storytelling, and honoring loved ones, the event reminds people that history is not only something to study but something to feel and experience together.
This year’s White Christmas at Red Rocks was filled with joy, music, and heartfelt remembrance. By honoring the life of Shai Scribner, the celebration became more meaningful than ever before.
Events like this show how important community traditions are and how they help keep local history alive for future generations. The gathering reminded everyone that even during difficult times, coming together can bring comfort, warmth, and hope.