Although Kitsap County has yet to receive measurable amounts of snowfall this fall — just an allotment of rain and gray clouds — Santa Claus realizes the seasonal show must go on.
After all, in just three short weeks, Santa and his crew of elves and herd of reindeer have the gargantuan task of delivering toys to good boys and girls around the world. So, to get a little practice under his large belt, the jolly ol’ elf will climb aboard a 1942 fire truck with lights ablaze and sirens wailing Dec. 2 for his annual appearance at Port Orchard’s Festival of Chimes & Lights.
The festival along Bay Street is in its 19th year. It’s become part of the Port Orchard landscape in December — lights strung on downtown buildings, boats in the marina, and on trees and bushes. Wreaths are hung on business doors and windows are frosted, emblazoned in splashes of red, white and green paint.
The festival will offer residents and visitors of all ages a Christmas season favorite. For children, it’s Santa and the “Pooch and Purr” parade and costume event. For adults and families, it’s the Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis. And for everyone, it’s holiday music by the South Kitsap High School marching band, culminating with the lighting of the community Christmas tree in front of Port Orchard City Hall.
The Pooch and Purr parade and costume event was initially crossed off the list of festival activities this year, event organizer Cindy Lucarelli said, because it lacked a sponsor.
“We’ve had a couple of sponsors step up to the plate to bring it back,” she said. “I think it’s going to be bigger and better.”
Those sponsors — Cookie’s Pet Corner and Wash, and Woodside Animal Hospital — made it possible for the event to return by donating prizes and underwriting the event costs.
“I consider them to be local heroes for bringing Pooch and Purrs back,” Lucarelli said.
Dick Vlist, longtime Port Orchard community member and owner of an auto dealership on Bay Street, will be the honorary Christmas tree lighter this year. At about 5:20 p.m. Saturday, Vlist will flip the switch to light up the tall tree that was donated by South Kitsap’s Saints Car Club.
Throughout the day and evening, festival attendees can experience a “Christmas Lane” tradition on the waterfront: decorated and lighted boats and yachts at the Port Orchard Marina. The marina and Sinclair Inlet Yacht Club jointly host the yearly event.
Those looking to get out of the predicted drizzle can step into the Dragonfly Cinema on Bay Street, which will offer free showings of the holiday classic “Elf” throughout the afternoon and evening. Show times begin at 11:30 a.m., with the final showing starting at 7 p.m.
Another indoor event will be hosted by the Port Orchard Library, just off Bay Street next to the downtown waterfront. Librarian Kathleen Wilson once again will have kids’ crafts stations inside the library from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The featured craft: a pine cone gnome ornament.
At 3 p.m., Mary Shaver’s Marionettes will perform “The Shoemaker and the Elves” at the library. Live music will be played at the library throughout the day until its 7 p.m. closing. In between the library’s festival events, “treats and greets” will be shared with visitors, Wilson said.
More choir!
Complementing the instrumental sounds of the South Kitsap High marching band will be vocal accompaniment — and lots of it.
“We’ve added another choir this year,” Lucarelli said. “That’s a lot of music, so we’ll be starting it a lot earlier. It’s really been a lot of fun because these are pretty large groups and they bring down grandma and grandpa and other family members, who brave the weather and watch the performances.”
Santa arrives at Bay Street aboard a vintage fire engine. Photo: Bob Smith
A four-legged contestant of the Pooch and Purrs parade and costume contest looks a bit miffed about having to wear holiday attire last season. Photo: Bob Smith
