With several hundred adults and children wearing Santa caps and reindeer antlers looking on, Kenmore Mayor David Baker took the microphone and wished everyone a merry Christmas, but that wasn’t all he had to say.
He took full advantage of having residents on hand at the Kenmore Community Center Thursday night to tell them that the orange construction cones are disappearing as the workers complete city projects one by one.
After arriving in a Northshore Fire Department truck with sirens wailing, Santa Sean Shane-Kumler joined Baker in counting down “5-4-3-2-1” and the Kenmore Christmas tree lit up in an array of reds, blues and greens as the crowd cheered. (Photos)
Residents Roland and Florence Lindstrom were among the crowd outside at about 6:05 p.m. when the tree-lighting commenced.
“It’s not raining tonight and it’s a little chilly, but other than that (it’s fun),” Roland said. “We’re members of the club here, and we think it’s great that they moved (the event) down to the club here. Next year, they can go to the new city hall.”
Florence said that she visited with some friends and enjoyed watching the kids playing and running around.
It was warm inside the center as the choirs from Inglemoor High and Moorlands Elementary — led by energetic, arm-waving Mary Giordano — entertained the crowd with seasonal songs, residents sipped apple cider and Santa posed for pictures with kids, who then crowded around the arts-and-crafts tables.
Christina Parish of Kenmore Self Storage invited children to grab crayons and construct their own Christmas Village.
“We’re proud to help support the city of Kenmore. It just means a lot to share this special ceremony with the whole community,” said Parish, sporting a Santa cap.
Moorlands student Vanessa Xu felt her choir performed well — especially on “Jingle Bells” — and she treasured her time with Santa, eating cookies and dabbling in art projects with her friends.
So what did she ask the jolly fellow for Christmas?
“A TV in my room,” Xu said with a smile.
Mayor Baker also encouraged residents to donate cash to the local Hopelink food bank during the night.
“If you could open your hearts a little bit, we’d certainly appreciate it,” he said.
