Christmas in Carnation 2010 was a huge success, considering it was on the same night as the Apple Cup. Everyone came out to enjoy tomato soup by Mosaic Catering, stroganoff from Lazy K’s, chili from Pete’s Club & Grill, hot apple cider by Sandy’s Espresso, coffee from Starbucks, hot chocolate from the Carnation Chamber—and, it would not be Christmas in Carnation without s’mores from Camp Korey melting them over a bonfire.

The evening began with music from the Cedarcrest Band lead by teacher Ryan Lewis. Then, the CHS Choir joined in. Up next was the Cedarcrest Drama play “Moon Over Buffalo,” directed by Michelle Roundtree-Lewis. Cascade Community Theatre group performed a skit from their play “Babes in Toyland,” directed by Patrick Kevin. Local choirs from the Church of Latter Day Saints and Tolt Congregational Church sang our favorite Christmas caroles. Jack Ballard sang and emceed the event.

At 5:15 p.m., there was a parade led by the Dog Mountain Farms horse wagon carrying Frosty the Snowman, with marching elves and presents, then Santa came riding on top of the fire truck accompanied by the Dianich family, who won the opportunity at the Friends of Memorial Park Auction in April. It was a special night for their daughter Nora, since it was her birthday. Santa was followed into Hopelink, where all the kids got to sit on his lap and tell him what they wanted for Christmas. At 5:45 p.m., the long-awaited tree lighting finally took place and once again the city outdid itself with the beautifully decorated trees in the park and the main Christmas tree lit up.

We would like to thank everyone for coming out to join in the Festivities, and to all of you who donated toward the lights for next year. We raised $200, and our goal is to raise $1,000 for next year. To find out how you can donate, please visit www.carnationchamber.org. A special thank you goes to Jill Alves, who took the beautiful picture of the walking bridge that was on all the Christmas in Carnation posters around town. If you would like a copy of the picture, call (425) 333-4855.

Thank you to all the businesses that participated and thank you to the city for the wonderful decorations.

Kim Lisk and the Carnation Chamber of Commerce