A Dickens of a trip
Iowa couple visit Garrison for A Christmas Carol and more
BY JAMES C. FALCON
james@nordaknorth.com
GARRISON – The Christmas Capital of North Dakota was the latest stop for an Iowa couple who mark the Christmas season by traveling around the country to see performances of “A Christmas Carol.” Rod and Gail Vicker, who live in Urbandale – a “far suburb”
of Des Moines, he explained – arrived in town to take in their ninth production of the Charles Dickens play, as well as the festival itself.
“Festivals usually go along with it,” Rod said, speaking from past experiences where the plays are done in conjunction with Christmas festivals. However, as Gail noted, “the play is the draw.” Their tradition started after they were married seven years ago. During their first Christmas, Rod wanted to know what Gail wanted. “Like every dutiful husband, I asked her what she wanted for Christmas. And like every
dutiful wife, she said ‘nothing,’” Rod said.
