Saturday, 7 December 2013, part two
We had our traditional Ilwaco holiday celebration, always the first Saturday of December: The lighting of the Crab Pot Christmas tree at 5 PM sharp. Don’t be late or you might miss the world’s shortest fireworks display!
Allan made a detour down Waterfront Way and heard the Ilwaco High School Jazz Band performing; then the band walked down to the tree as well.
I had been worried hardly anyone would show up. A wind chill factor of minus 20 had been predicted. Thankfully, no wind blew after all, but the temperature was a numbing upper 20s F.
We walked with Luanne and Chester past Jessie’s Ilwaco Fish Company to Waterfront Way.
A lighted boat parade is part of the festivities. Last year, the parade was canceled due to hazardous high winds that blew all the week before; a few folks braved the weather and decorated anyway. This year, temperatures in the 20s even during the day may have kept some folk from decorating, and we have the problem of the Government Sequester: The Coast Guard is not allowed to participate this year… Their boats were always a bright and fine addition. I think it is a shame that this year’s young Coasties don’t get the chance to participate. Here’s the Coast Guard boat from years past:
Despite the weather and lack of Coast Guard presence, our little port had some lovely lighted boats (and a very small nautical parade).
Meanwhile the jazz band played holiday songs.
My fingers were so cold that they hurt; I had fingerless gloves on in order to operate my camera. When I went into the Saturday Christmas Market, which had stayed open late, the camera rebelled at the change in temperature.
I realized I could warm my camera and my fingers at a booth selling stone candleholders and then we felt much better.
Outside, the hardy Jazz Band played on.
I went into the warmth of Time Enough Books.
Parents and children lined up to see Santa and Mrs Claus.
With fingers still a bit chilled, I knew I could get a hot chocolate down at the Don Nisbett Art Gallery.
Jenna was down at her own shop, Queen La De Da’s, doing a Christmas mermaid photoshoot. She appeared briefly to bring the Cosmic Bombshells to pose with Don.
I thought it high time to go down to Jenna’s and participate in the nice warm potluck party.
Next year’s crab pot tree lighting will be on Saturday, December 6th.
Reblogged this on Our Ilwaco.
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Sorry we miss it.
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Great photos. Thank you.
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Thanks for reading, Jim and Jet!
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Those crab pot tree songs are delightfully silly.
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looks like great fun!
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You guys just have WAY too much fun! Allan’s port photos are particularly beautiful….and even your camera “problem” produced some interesting effects on those indoor pictures! Sure wish I could have heard the music. (I sort of did — in my head, anyway.) I envy the enthusiasm and camaraderie of your interesting coastal community.
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Thanks, Rebecca!
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