Power outage surrounded downtown but energy was high voltage at tree lighting

Dickens Fair and tree lighting turn-out best yet in spite of economy
BY CHUCK TUCK | JOURNAL REPORTER The holiday spirit was in high gear during the annual Christmas tree lighting festival over the weekend in Lake Stevens.

Although power was out for many miles around downtown Lake Stevens, that didn’t stop the people from venturing out to see if the lighting ceremony was still going to take place.

Perhaps, it was this mishap turned good fortune that crowded the gathering place between the Wells Fargo Bank and the Journal office that brought so many people out that night.

It was more than just the lighting of the tree or the visit from Santa Clause for the children, even grown-ups came out to share in the spirit of the holiday.

John Lang and his wife Tracey came to enjoy the small town festivities after moving here from Lynnwood last year.

“Our kids are all grown,” John said.
The Lang’s have their own construction business and say that they have felt the pinch this year, but it’s not about how much or how many gifts you buy or receive.

“Christmas is not about the presents, it’s about the spirit,” Tracey said.
They both laughed and smiled, and then her husband said that his wife Tracey is the Christmas freak; more laughter and smiles.

For the Lang family their tradition has changed from opening gifts to enjoying the company of their grown children during the holiday at the dinner table.

For the past three years John said, they have been going to the butcher shop and selecting the best meats to cook a festive meal for everyone to enjoy.

As more and more people crowded into the small area, a group of elementary kids sang carols keeping everyone in a joyous mood until Santa came and the tree was lit.

People arrived from the Dickens Fair saying that it was the best ever with all sorts of crafts to buy.

“It was great having it at Cavelero this year,” one person said.

Boy Scout Troop 41 was doing their best to keep up with the demands of their delicious hot chocolate pouring cup after cup as people lined-up to keep themselves warm drinking the hot cocoa.

Once Santa arrived, Mayor Vern Little made a few announcements before the countdown to the lighting.

American Legion Post 181 Commander, Tony Morea announced that this year’s tree is dedicated in memory of Bill Clough of Lake Stevens, and a special ornament was made in his honor.

The special ornament was designed to resemble a baseball because of Clough’s passion for the sport and his love for the Red Sox.

With the commencing of the countdown to the lighting of the tree, the crowd cheered loudly as the tree came to life with all its brightness signaling the official start of the Christmas season in Lake Stevens.

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