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Festival of Chimes and Lights to wipe away the winter’s gloom

Published 1:30 am Monday, November 29, 2021

By Bob Smith

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This small Christmas tree situated along Bay Street in Port Orchard is one of 55 trees placed on the street by the City of Port Orchard that’s being judged as part of the Downtown Bay Street Tree Decorating Contest, sponsored by the Port Orchard Bay Street Association. (Bob Smith | Kitsap Daily News)

PORT ORCHARD — The annual Festival of Chimes and Lights is once again a drive-through affair this year.

From 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, residents and visitors to Port Orchard can once again load up their cars and take part in a slow-rolling drive-through downtown on Bay Street.

The ongoing pandemic has once again canceled plans for the usual holiday festival activities, including the pet costume parade and public gathering in front of City Hall for the Christmas tree lighting.

But some things traditional to the festival will be celebrated.

Fifty-five tiny decorated Christmas trees along Bay Street, decorated by sponsors, will be lit for motorists and their passengers to see. The tree displays are being judged and the winners will be posted on the city website on Dec. 4. Down by the waterfront will be twinkling lights next to the Port Orchard Marina, as well as brightly lit boats moored at the harbor.

And, of course, the large community Christmas tree will be decorated and lit for drive-by viewers to enjoy.

The city’s clock tower also will ring forth the holiday with chimes on the half-hour. City officials also promise that an appearance by Santa Claus is expected sometime during the event.

For more information about the Festival of Chimes and Lights, visit the city’s website: cityofportorchard.us.

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