Waitsburg's Hometown Christmas

"When everybody steps forward like they do in this community it makes such a big impact," said Joy Smith, President of the Waitsburg Commercial Club, and coordinator of this past weekend's events.

The festivities started mid-week with the placement of Christmas trees along Main Street by the local FFA chapter. Those trees were then decorated with individual flair by local businesses and organizations. Some opted for natural decorations, with the nonprofit group Blue Mountain Resource Conservation & Development Council using popcorn and cranberries, while others followed themes related to their business.

The large Douglas fir in front of the library drew class groups of elementary students downtown so each student could place their handmade ornament on the tree, with some getting a 'lift' from Puget Power's Brian Struckmeier on a cherry picker rig.

Saturday morning's activities kicked off at Town Hall with a showing of Linda Herbert's 1919 Tractor Show documentary, and a hearty breakfast of biscuits and gravy, muffins, cinnamon rolls and fruit.

Lunch and crafts were on the schedule in the afternoon, with Anita Hernandez of Granny's Tamales selling tamales by the bag and the plateful, while children had the opportunity to decorate cookies or ornaments in the Fireside Room.

Twenty vendors were on hand throughout the weekend at Town Hall, offering hand-made items and more, -Joy Smith reported their sales were up 20-30% over last year.

The John King Christmas Parade honored the late Walla Walla County Sheriff's officer who had been so involved in the event in the past.

Before the parade, former Waitsburg mayor Markeeta Little Wolf sang the Star Spangled Banner, while former Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days Royalty, and current chaperone for the Celebration Days Court, Beka Compton, led the parade and carried the flag atop her horse Moose. Also on horseback were Waitsburg Celebration Days 2019 Queen Rebecca Holderman riding Tucker, and current Celebration Days Queen, Lena Berens, riding her palomino Diamond.

Other parade standouts were the float prepared by the Waitsburg Grocery, and Blush Salon & Spa's sparkly entry. Santa hitched his reindeer to ride in the parade with the Commercial Club board member Fred Gonzalez's entry. Gonzalez was also responsible for lining up the parade entries.

Also appearing in the parade were representatives from Walla Walla County Firefighters, with crowd management and assistance coming from both the Walla Walla County Sheriff's department and the Washington State Patrol.

Sunday's events at the Town Hall included a wide range of musical acts, from the tiny singers appearing with Kate Hockersmith and her Bluegrass Jammers, to the Presbyterian Church Choir's carols. The door prize drawings really demonstrated the power of local shopping, with 55 prizes awarded, all based on purchase made here in town. Marianne Newell and Lavonne Bren were credited with assisting with the prize drawings.

After the parade, the Bill King chili feed offered beef and vegetarian chili as well as corn bread and biscuits for just $5 a person.

Much appreciation goes out to all who participated, to the sponsors and business owners who supported the event, and to all those who helped organize this small town event that nourishes the Christmas spirit.