Tree lighting

Volunteers, community groups pull it off again

A huge holiday thank you to the volunteers and generous community groups who helped the Bainbridge Island Downtown Association and friends make the annual Holiday Open House and Community Tree Lighting happen again this year.

From the 50 or more fresh wreaths generously donated by the Kiwanis Club that decorated storefronts along Winslow Way, to the fresh-cut tree that magically arrived on Madrone Lane, and the traditional horse-drawn carriage rides sponsored by Harrison Medical Center, downtown Winslow was bustling with holiday cheer.

Hot cider flowed thanks to the Cook Family and bright lights twinkled overhead – compliments of PSE’s Holiday Lights sponsorship. The BHS Band and Ovation! Glee Club warmed up the crowd while Frank Buxton and Chris Soldevilla welcomed families to the annual tree lighting.

Then, right on cue as the fire engine’s sirens wailed, Santa Claus made his official arrival in Winslow with the help of Fire Chief Hank Teran’s elves.

Nearly an hour later as the last children left their wish lists in Santa’s Mailbox, a hush fell over the streets of our own downtown Who-ville.

It was truly one of those magical moments that Dr. Seuss himself would have appreciated.

Andrea Mackin,

BIDA executive director