The weather was cool and crisp for this year’s Community Christmas Tree lighting ceremony which moved to Town Square between City Hall and the Bainbridge Island Performing Arts Center, a space often used for community events.

COBI communications coordinator Shannon Hays said the tree was moved to take advantage of the open space where a tree well exists for holding a Christmas Tree. “It just makes sense. The farmer’s market is here and people know this is the place that community can meet.”

Hundreds of people gathered under the colorful lights strung along the pergola as Bainbridge Island Downtown Association President Natalie Rodriquez welcomed festival goers to the 22nd annual community tree lighting event that signals the start of the holiday season here. She invited visitors to join in a new community tradition of decorating the tree by adding a link to the chain on the tree. “We believe that that chain link is linking us all together,” said Rodriguez.

The day was filled with shopping and holiday activities and the evening entertainment included performances by the Bainbridge High School Band, Bainbridge School District Choir, Bainbridge Ballet Nutcracker and the Crescendo Singers and s’mores and warm drinks provided by the BI Police Department were enjoyed by attendees young and old.