Another Christmas in Carnation has passed. It was a wonderful, cold night and our community came together for the traditional tree lighting ceremony. The Carnation Chamber of Commerce once again put on a memorable event.

This year things started early. With the city of Carnation having to make major budget cuts, we added, hopefully, a tradition of having the community to help decorate the Tolt Commons. We had a few families come together on Sunday, Nov. 20 to hang lights on the trees and bushes while sipping on hot chocolate.

Also new this year was Breakfast with Santa. Thank you to Sliders and Cowgirls for hosting the event. All the food was donated by local businesses and community members. Phyllis and Marty, the owners of Sliders, were very busy flipping pancakes and cooking up the bacon, sausage and eggs. The elves were busing tables and serving juice and milk. Frosty was there to greet the families and handed out candy canes as the kids left after breakfast and talking with Santa. There were 61 reservations but we ended up serving 95 people from 9 to 11 a.m. For a first-time event, this was a huge success! All proceeds from the breakfast benefits the Carnation Chamber. This helps the Chamber put on the Christmas in Carnation event.

The traditional Christmas in Carnation was Saturday, Dec. 3, with wagon rides by Dog Mountain Farm, a parade with elves and Frosty followed by the long-awaited Santa who arrived on top of the fire truck. Santa was accompanied by the McKenzie Family, Corey, Andrew and their four daughters Abby, Grace, Lanie and birthday girl Maggie, who turned 2. The family was given this gift by friends who won the honor at the Bridge of Promise Auction in November. The McKenzie Family had the privilege of switching on the lights to end the evening with the tree lighting.

The Carnation Chamber of Commerce could not put this event on without the assistance of all the businesses that come out to support this event, either by volunteering or offering up their traditional goodies – Pete’s Club Grill’s chili, Sandy’s Espresso hot apple cider, Starbucks coffee, ajd Camp Korey’s S’mores along with the Chamber handing out goodie bags and hot chocolate.

Entertainment was by the Cedarcrest High School Band & Choir, Felonious Monk, Cascade Community Theatre, Mikaela and Jack Ballard, and face-painting.

We could not put on this event without the help of the City of Carnation. The chamber would also like to thank Ryan Dalziel and Jamus Waters, who outdid themselves once again. Bob Gilbertson, a retired city employee who still lives in Carnation, once again helped out decorating the Tolt Commons.

Thank you to our community for coming out and supporting this event. Mark your calendars for next year when Christmas in Carnation will be on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012.

Kim Lisk

Christmas in Carnation