I couldn’t think of a better topic to write about this month, than THE HOLIDAYS! If you’re a Fort Wayne newbie like me, then you’re in for a treat! I was mesmerized over what an amazing job this city did with the holidays. When you relocate, the holidays can be a bit rough. Traditions you’ve done with family and friends have become a memory. Christmas shopping with the girls is now seen via Facebook or Instagram. Despite all of the changes you will go through this time of year, I can testify that Fort Wayne has done it bigger than any city I’ve lived in. Let’s talk about the massive crowds that showed up to both Jefferson Pointe Tree Lighting, and Christmas on Broadway. Oh, let’s not forget the over 10,000 people at the PNC Santa lighting! If you were feeling blue this holiday season, being around the Christmas spirit in this city should have sprinkled a little cheer in your world.
For me, Christmas hasn’t been the same since I lost my Dad. Sometimes I feel like he was the inspiration behind Clark Griswold, because he always made sure to make the holidays something to remember. The challenging part this year was flipping to an all Christmas music station on Soft Rock 103.9. First thought was “oh Amber, this is going to be the hardest thing you’ve ever done.” Every memory and holiday tradition of mine was attached to the majority of the songs we played. You know what? It actually wasn’t bad at all. We (at Soft Rock) made it all about you and wanted our listeners to be happy and filled with Christmas spirit. There truly was never a dull moment right here in your backyard. Fantasy of Lights at Franke Park, Christmas on the Farm at Salomon Farm, downtown events, plus all our Christmas contests we planned for the station. The legendary Steve Shine, of Shine & Hardin, asked me this… “So Amber, did you think we were on steroids for Christmas around here?” It was an incredible time to see Fort Wayne. I do hope you had a chance to get home and be with family and friends. If not, I’m sure the city tried to make it a special experience for you. Now as we get ready for 2016, and the excitement of a new canvas to paint, take the time to know your new city. Make a list of all the places you would like to explore. There’s never a dull moment in Fort Wayne. Cheers to a New Year, chat soon!
Amber Stone
Host of Amber Stone in the Morning on Soft Rock 103.9
Middays on HOT 107.9
