The holiday spirit hits high gear the next two weekends, as local communities offer special events to kick off the season.
In Enumclaw, things get rolling this Saturday, Nov. 26, with a tree-lighting ceremony and a special emphasis on local merchants.
The third annual lighting ceremony begins at 5 p.m. at City Hall, 1339 Griffin Ave.
All day, it’s the second annual Gathering of the Elves, an event in support of Small Business Saturday, a nationwide effort that promotes the benefits of keeping money in local hands during the busy shopping season.
The day is sponsored by LiveLocal 98022, which exists to support the Enumclaw business community.
Downtown Enumclaw will really fill up the following Saturday, Dec. 3, when the annual holiday parade rolls along Cole Street. The parade begins at 6 p.m.
This Saturday, Nov. 26, also brings a tree-lighting ceremony just across the river in Buckley. The event will run from 3 to 5 p.m. on Main Street, just off state Route 410, near the gazebo.
From 3 to 3:45 there will be activities for children and families. Included will be an opportunity for photos with Santa Claus that can include kids, families and friendly, four-legged family members. There will be music and caroling beginning at 3:30 with the tree lighting at 5 p.m.
All activities are sponsored by the Buckley Chamber of Commerce.
In Bonney Lake, the annual tree lighting begins at 6 p.m. in front of the Public Safety Building, just off SR 410 on Veterans Memorial Drive.
Things area bit different in Sumner this year, as the annual bridge lighting ceremony has been cancelled due to upcoming construction.
But there’s still festivities planned for Saturday, Nov. 26, including the 90th annual tree lighting and open house from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Ryan House Museum.
Also on Nov. 26, the Sumner Downtown Promotions Association sponsors Light Up Main and Small Business Saturday, both designed to encourage local shopping.
Sumner’s annual Santa Parade rolls over Main Street the following Saturday, Dec. 3, beginning at 3 p.m.
