Plane old caroling

Paul Clinton

JOHN WAYNE AIRPORT -- As a long line of people crawled toward the

X-ray screening area here on a morning of holiday traveling, there was a

group bringing joy.

The Towne & Lamplight Carolers were showing off their special brand of

Dickens-era holiday music to souls wary of airport travel.

John Wayne, along with other airports across the nation, has been

reeling from drops in travel since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

To calm fears of flying, the carolers belted out a rendition of

“Silver Bells” in the north section of the Thomas F. Riley terminal.

The group has performed at the airport during the holidays for the

last several years.

“This year more than any year we need it,” said Diane Sawyers, a

caroler who lives in Orange. “We need a little Christmas now.”

The carolers are one element in the airport’s 12th annual Holiday

Festival, a schedule of musical performances that run from Dec. 10 to

Christmas Eve at various hours of the day.

The carolers were scheduled for mornings when many of those commuting

to jobs out of the area head onto planes, John Wayne Airport spokeswoman

Ann McCarley said.

The goal was to uplift and entertain travelers, McCarley said.

“We wanted to bring some holiday cheer to the airport,” McCarley said.

“It brings a lighter, festive mood.”

Steve Webb, a caroler who lives in Costa Mesa, said the singing had

been well received so far.

“It’s really special for the kids,” Webb said. “They love it.”

Despite the 19th century English costumes, the group doesn’t exclude

modern or Hanukkah songs. They’re known to break into a rendition of

“Santa Claus is Coming to Town” or “Rock of Ages.”

If the smiles on passing faces were any indication, the carolers were

accomplishing their goals. Children ran up and stood with the group.

A wave of warmth crossed the faces of the travelers waiting to be

screened.

“I think it’s great, more festive,” said Julie Klassen, who lives in

Irvine. “There should be more of it.”