Video: 1st West Seattle Junction Tree Lighting in new park

That’s the official lighting of the newest West Seattle Junction Christmas Tree about half an hour ago at brand-new Junction Plaza Park, with a countdown from local online/on-air personality Marty Riemer (see his event-opening mini-monologue here) and his tree-lighting assistant Ruby, chosen from a clamoring crowd of kids by the stage:

The lights went on after a 40-minute program including the Endolyne Children’s Choir:

Speakers included Todd Carden of Elliott Bay Brewery (West Seattle Junction Association board president):

The crowd also heard from Erica Karlovits, president of the Junction Neighborhood Organization, who helped shepherd the park to completion:

Also speaking: West Seattle Christian Church pastor Dan Jacobs, with reflections on the warmth of community, and newly elected King County Councilmember Joe McDermott (introduced humorously by Riemer):

(His appearance reminded us that the last West Seattleite to hold that council seat – now-County Executive Dow Constantine – was the emcee the last time the tree-lighting ceremony was held at the site of the now-park, back in 2006 [WSB coverage here].) There were many goodnatured jokes about the tree’s newness – it was planted in the park just a few months ago – but you have to admit, it looks lovely with lights.

More video to come. Whether you were there tonight or not – hundreds of people filled the park! – come back to The Junction tomorrow for the first Hometown Holidays (co-sponsored by WSB) Sunday, 11 am-3 pm, with mule-carriage rides, Santa photos at Donna Ryan Photography next to Cupcake Royale ($15 donation for WestSide Baby), and great shopping at Junction stores (check our guide!).

P.S. Our Lady of Guadalupe lights its tree – highest spot in Seattle! 35th/Myrtle – 7 pm Friday.

10 Replies to "Video: 1st West Seattle Junction Tree Lighting in new park"

  • GenHill December 5, 2010 (9:20 am)

    Can’t get any of the videos to play.

    • WSB December 5, 2010 (9:22 am)

      Something seems to be “hanging” the page, with a URL I don’t recognize. Troubleshooting now. Thanks for taking the time to mention that. If I can’t solve it momentarily I’ll add the direct links.
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      (edited)
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      Two clicks on the lower “play” button are working at the moment. Seems to be a YT glitch … I’m recapturing the embed code on each clip.
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      (edited)
      Appears to be working normally now (9:32 am) … TR

  • Vera @ Village Green Nursery December 5, 2010 (1:45 pm)

    I love the annual tree lighting in West Seattle. My daughter is in the Endolyne choir- so it’s a yearly event for us as well as many friends and relatives.
    I do wish that the sound was better for the kids- we can barely hear them in the audience- the microphones are too far from the kids to actually project their voices. The recorded music is far louder than the singers.
    All in all is was and is always a great time – it’s so fun to see West Seattle- and White Center residents gathered together.

  • david December 5, 2010 (2:41 pm)

    It’d be great if they coordinated with halftime of the Apple Cup, timing wise. I know everyone aren’t football fans, but there are a lot of us. Just a thought.

    • WSB December 5, 2010 (3:12 pm)

      Well, good news. The Apple Cup next year is apparently on November 26th. So no chance it’ll overlap with the tree lighting! – TR

  • Carmen December 5, 2010 (7:15 pm)

    Would love to see the pictures and video of the Tree Lighting from yesterday. We can’t see anything but a big blank spot where photos are suppose to be. Much appreciated.

  • WSB December 5, 2010 (7:19 pm)

    Hi there – Check if you have a problem with Java or Flash – They are there on this end – just checked, but certainly some browsers may have problems … If it helps, all are YouTube video clips except for a photo beneath the first paragraph, and depending on your connection speed, give it a moment or two to fully resolve – TR

  • Lynne December 6, 2010 (10:47 am)

    Wish the Tree Lighting had been a more festive occasion. There were talented musicians on the bandstand, but not a note out of them during the program. The only music was the childrens’ choir, but they couldn’t be heard. Missed opportunity for the crowd to ‘bond’ by singing a carol or two and the band to play an instrumental piece between speakers. Appreciated the announcements and deserved acknowledgements, but too much talking and not enough celebration.

  • mightymo December 6, 2010 (7:43 pm)

    I was by the park at 4:30 this “afternoon” (it was nearly dark by the point) and the tree was unlit. Is it supposed to be lit in the evenings and when? I’d love to take a photo of it lit in the dark without a crowd around it like on Saturday night.

  • mightymo December 9, 2010 (7:31 pm)

    I saw it lit at 4:20 today, so it was probably just an oversight. That poor, immature tree looks sort of sad in the daylight but it’s very nice when the sun sets.

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