The Christmas carols started the weekend before Thanksgiving. The holiday lights went up on the street poles last Monday. The holiday season is firmly upon us.
It’s a bit funny how every Valley community this year is holding its civic tree lighting ceremonies on the very same afternoon.
Yes, Fall City, Carnation, Snoqualmie and North Bend all hold their celebrations this coming Saturday, Dec. 6.
North Bend’s tree lights up at 5:15 p.m., with an all-town party, downtown. Snoqualmie’s is at 6:30 p.m., with fun, music and song at downtown Railroad Park, with Santa arriving at the gazebo to light the tree. In Fall City, the annual school music program is 4 to 5 p.m. at the Fall City Elementary School gymnasium. After the music, the whole crowd walks down to the Art Park, at the corner of the Fall City-Redmond Road and 335th Place, to light the tree.
The Christmas in Carnation event is 4 to 6 p.m. at Tolt Commons, the park that typically hosts the Carnation farmer’s market. A tree lighting is at 5 p.m., Santa arrives at 5:15 p.m. to meet the kids.
The Salish Lodge and Spa at Snoqualmie Falls also holds a public tree lighting at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Also, don’t forget the Winter Magic festival, kicking off with a special party Sunday, Dec. 14, in downtown Snoqualmie. That event includes an ice rink, pony rides, games and a visit by two ‘ice princesses.’
Word is that Evening Magazine will also be coming to do a segment on the rink, Dec. 19, so there’s an additional reason to come check out that event, and for downtown business owners to dress up the community.
Small-town holiday celebrations really showcase the best of the local. You get to to meet your neighbors, see the spirit of those around you, and witness how we can draw together for good reasons.
Plus, the economy is still tough out there, and local businesses are always grateful for our support.
Downtown celebrations draw people closer to their business districts, and give us new reasons to explore and discover what our communities have to offer. So, when you sip your cocoa and sing a carol in days ahead at the Snoqualmie, Fall City, Carnation or North Bend tree lighting ceremonies, remember that these activities don’t happen for free, or in isolation. Shop local, and keep such blessings flowing around the Valley.
