1st report: West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Tree Lighting

The Farmers’ Market parking lot was wall-to-wall with people tonight for the 2009 edition of The Junction’s Hometown Holidays Tree Lighting (co-sponsored by WSB) — the switch was thrown a little more than an hour ago. This year, they just lit the “big tree” right at the southeast corner of 44th/Alaska – and everything happened right on cue – here’s our quick handheld clip with the final seconds of the countdown (that’s emcee Marty Riemer, West Seattle-residing radio personality, whose voice you hear; he was assisted by Jordan, chosen from the kids sitting in front of the stage):

Other young participants in the 50-minute event included West Seattle’s own Endolyne Children’s Choir (whose “Winter Fantasy” concert is coming up 12/12):

Full report coming up later with lots more highlights (including the Volunteer Recognition honorees previously announced here) – you’ll likely see a tree-lighting clip on KING5 tonight too; they had a photojournalist there, as did the Seattle Channel (and West Seattle’s Captive Eye Media was there to provide full pro video coverage for us beyond our quick clips – you’ll see it in report #2). This is just the start of the Hometown Holidays fun (co-sponsored by WSB) – tomorrow from noon-4 pm, it’s the first Sunday for Santa photos, carriage rides, gift wrapping and all-around holiday hoopla in “Downtown West Seattle.”

11 Replies to "1st report: West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Tree Lighting"

  • Stacey December 5, 2009 (7:22 pm)

    Hi!

    Do you know of any local charities that help groups sponsor a family for christmas? Is there anything in West Seattle. Portland has a really great program, but I’ve been searching and can’t find anything here. Anyone have suggestions?

    S

  • k December 5, 2009 (7:48 pm)

    had a great, but chilly time at the tree lighting! what a turnout! put me in the holiday spirit and then some. finished off with a blueberry tea at West 5. perfect afternoon in the junction.

  • Celeste17 December 5, 2009 (11:21 pm)

    Our church Our Lady of Guadalupe doesn’t sponsor a family but we do support Treehouse and we have a giving tree in the vestible of the church with tags for what children want. Or you can call the Salvation Army and see if they have families.

  • Stacey December 6, 2009 (1:22 am)

    Thank you Celeste!

  • Stacey December 6, 2009 (1:22 am)

    Thank you Celeste!

  • Brian December 6, 2009 (8:45 am)

    People… where are your manners? When someone is speaking to you, especially when it is announcing the volunteer awards, SHUT UP.

    There were a lot of rude folks at the tree lighting last night. Amazing that all the kids were quiet while all the adults were carrying on conversations.

  • mark December 6, 2009 (9:56 am)

    Brian, it was the only way we could stay warm! Besides the fact that even if it was dead quiet it would have still been close to impossible to hear. It might be time for a sound system upgrade!! It was still great to see so many people and the cookies were yummy.

  • fj December 6, 2009 (4:43 pm)

    Brian – I kinda viewed it like a bar/concert type situation, where “silence” is not expected. Plus, I found it hard to stay quiet because I couldn’t hear, and the dj guy would NOT stop talking, due to the fact he probably likes to hear himself drone on and on. but that’s just me.

  • Vera December 7, 2009 (12:31 pm)

    What a great time! Freezing yes- but what a great community Event!! So great to see so many friends and what a turnout! My daughter is in the choir- so to me it’s extra special!
    Next time maybe more firewood! :)

  • PS December 7, 2009 (2:30 pm)

    Certainly cold enough. Didn’t help that the burn barrels melted the asphalt, giving off toxic fumes. Also, waaaay to much yacking onstage. Could have shortened by 20 minutes easily. You need to reign in the radio personalities…those guys will talk forever if you give them the chance.

  • JT December 27, 2009 (5:00 pm)

    The barrels used for burning were illegal.

    http://www.pscleanair.org/actions/outdoorfires/law.aspx

    “Abandon the barrel. The use of burn barrels is illegal throughout the state.”

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