Lead teller Lynn Vanderveer welcomed the many who came in. He said he was nervous at first when he heard in 2019 that Bank of Prescott was being acquired by FB&T. "Farmers has turned out to be a really good bank. And we're thankful to be able to be here. And we're thankful that you're here with us today. And that's pretty much what my talk is. Welcome. Merry Christmas. And in this coming year, we pray that God will bless you just as richly as he possibly can."

Having contracted with Sheba's Restaurant of Hope for catering, FB&T had to bring out two long tables to display everything. One table held the savory, hashbrown sausage and cheese clusters, fried chicken pieces, various dips with chips, and the other held the sweet, with brownies, fruit plates, bundt cakes and anything else those in want of quick energy might go for. A zingy cold fruit punch, and coffee were available, too.

Branch Manager Carrie Jones said overall her branch had a fine year despite the high interest rates putting a damper on lending. Still she had something to talk up: "We have a couple new accounts that are focused on kids, checking accounts and a savings account, where they can earn interest on the savings up until they're 18 years old. It's a really great product."

A coffee will be held at Farmers Bank and Trust's Hope location at 201 East Third tomorrow starting at 9:30 a.m.