LIVERMORE FALLS – Rain fell hard outside the fire station Monday night, but inside it was warm and cozy as town officials and residents made holiday decorations.

First, the small group checked over the lights on the large, green artificial wreaths, hung annually downtown by firefighters, to see if bulbs needed replacement.

When that was done, they had a quick lesson in making evergreen sprays.

Selectman Melanie Rounds brought in a load of fir tips and dumped them on the floor next to greens that were donated by Selectman Ernie Souther.

Then the pruning began as the greens were trimmed from the larger branches and the pile fluffed up.

They experimented, checked for scale and then began their task.

Some worked together while others worked independently to put several lengths of fir together and wrap the ends in wire.

Once a spray was made, a red bow was attached.

Rounds took the decorations out and gave them a spritz of glitter spray.

It was quiet, with a few laughs and light conversation mixed in with the steady work.

Within 45 minutes, they had 12 sprays finished and five more in progress. The goal was 25.

The sprays will complement the lighted wreaths and six new holiday banners to make the downtown festive.

Selectmen had $2,500 to work with to buy new decorations this year, which they found out to be pricey. The board decided to buy the banners and to make the sprays and see what they could do next year.