Showing posts with label christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label christmas. Show all posts

Christmas Ship comes to Richmond Beach Wednesday Dec 12

Friday, December 7, 2018



Christmas Ship Celebration
Wednesday, Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m.

Treat yourself and your loved ones to a festive evening of outdoor celebration along Shoreline's spectacular beachfront. 

Come and hear live music by the St. Luke School Choir while waiting for the Argosy Christmas Ship to arrive. 

Enjoy complimentary cookies and stay warm near the roaring beach bonfires. Free to participate. 

Parking is limited, so please walk or carpool if possible. 

More info HERE. Sponsored by City of Shoreline and Richmond Beach Community Association.



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Rob Oxford: An interview with Santa

Thursday, December 6, 2018

Santa at Northgate
By Rob Oxford

Santa has known me from my radio days for many years and gave me permission to write a fun little story.

An Interview With Santa

On a recent trip to Northgate Mall, I caught up with Santa Claus and had the chance to ask him a few brief questions.

For the past 16 years, it has been our family tradition to gather at the mall Christmas Eve morning for pictures with the Head Elf, Cinnabons and some last minute gift buying.

Me: How long have you been playing Santa Claus?

Santa: Santa Claus doesn't "play". Christmas is serious business.

Me: I mean, how long have you been coming to Northgate Mall to take pictures with the children?

Santa: Since it opened in April of 1950. You do realize it was one of the first post-war, suburban mall-type shopping centers in the United States.

Me: Do you prefer Uber or Lyft?

Santa: I prefer my sleigh and 8, not counting Rudolph, tiny reindeer.

Me: Then where are your Reindeer?

Santa: Ho Ho Ho! Up on the roof top of course.

Me: Do you mind if I tug on your beard to make sure it's real?

Santa: Why no, not at...ouch!

Me: When you're not delivering toys Christmas Eve, what do you like to do?

Santa: Nap, golf, supervise the toy making, nap, eat and then sometimes I work out.

Me: What is your favorite kind of cookie.

Santa: The ones that children leave out for me on Christmas Eve.

Me: I've often wondered when you come to my house, why you only take a bite of a cookie, instead of eating the whole thing.

Santa: No offense, but you don't make very good cookies.

Me: Why is your suit red?

Santa: I'm an Alabama fan. Roll Tide!

Me: Santa, every time we come to the mall you always say "Hello! Rockfish" and you always remember my wife and my children's names. I have trouble remembering where I put my car keys. How do you have such a great memory.

Santa: I take plenty of vitamin B-12, ginkgo biloba, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Me: What is your favorite holiday movie?

Santa: Anything I've starred in.

Me: Final question Santa. Am I on the Naughty or Nice list this year?

Santa: You do realize I see all your Facebook posts right?

Me: Santa?

Santa: Ho Ho Ho, ha Ha ha, Ho ho...

Me: Santa?

Santa: Ho ho Ho,...Merry Christmas!


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Santa came to the North City Business District Saturday - and a crowd was waiting

Tuesday, December 4, 2018

The tree is on top of the water tank in one of the highest elevations in the area
It can be seen up and down I-5 as well as in Shoreline and LFP


By Diane Pottinger, P.E., District Manager, North City Water
Photos by Steven H. Robinson

The weather was perfect for Santa to visit the North City Business District for the 21st Annual Tree lighting event on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at Les Schwab tire on 15th NE in the North City Business District. 

The lighting of the tree on top of the North City Water District’s reservoir started in 1997 when the wireless carriers built a platform on the top of the tank for the District. The lights on the tree can be seen for quite a distance along I-5 corridor.

Around the Sound Community Band
 

The evening started off with the Around the Sound Band playing carols and the audience singing along at the Les Schwab dealership. 

Santa and his sleigh


Once the band started playing Up on the Housetop, Santa rode in on his sleigh pulled by a giant reindeer (with the help of the Water District staff) with his elves. Santa spoke to the crowd, who helped him countdown until he flipped this giant “light switch” and tree on top of the reservoir burst on with lights.

Is it really Santa!


Over 250 youth and a few four legged creatures waited patiently in line to sit on santa’s lap and receive a candy cane and toy from some of Santa’s elves. Walgreen’s took photos, which are available at the North City store.

A long line of children waited to talk to Santa
 
FM 100.3, Sacred Heart Radio Station, provided the sound system and was a great addition to the event. The City of Shoreline helped decorate the neighborhood by putting up the holiday banners.

Charlotte Haines, facing camera, takes a break to talk to friends


Coffee, hot chocolate and cookies were donated by many long time volunteers, including Charlotte Haines, the original lead of the North City Neighborhood Association and current Water District Commissioner. Charlotte continues to give back to the community she has played a part in forming for over 50 years.

It was truly a great place to be on Saturday night.


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Santa arrives at the Fire Safety Center for the tree lighting

Saturday, December 1, 2018

Photo by Sabrina Pridemore

Saturday evening the Shoreline Fire Department picked up Santa at a secret site and transported him to the fire safety station on Richmond Beach Road. He was there for the Christmas tree lighting event.

Photo by Sabrina Pridemore

Santa was helped down out of the 1970 fire truck by Sheri Ashleman and fire fighter Steve Anderson. There was a large crowd waiting for Santa's arrival.

Photo by Sabrina Pridemore

The kids were excited to see the jolly old fellow and there many shouted greetings to him from the youngsters. Many families from Shoreline attended the tree lighting and many children lined up to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas.

Photo by Sabrina Pridemore

Santa led the large crowd with a countdown to light up the holiday tree.

Photo by Marc Weinberg

The crowd admired the pretty tree and the twinkling lights.

Photo by Marc Weinberg

Then it was back to party time - playing with the safety center toys, refreshments, and the music of the St. Luke children's choir - oh - and supervised sliding down the fire pole!

Photo by Marc Weinberg

Santa said that this community, Richmond Beach, within a community, Shoreline, was one of his favorite places.

Ours, too, Santa!



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You are invited to Weihnachsfest Sunday with the Austria Club

Monday, November 26, 2018

The public is invited to Austria Club of Washington traditional Weihnachtsfest. 

It will take place on Sunday, December 2 from 1-5 pm at the German House 613 9th Avenue, Seattle 98104 between St. James and Harborview.

Although promoted as a club member potluck, other guests can contribute $10 or a dish toward defraying event expenses and so participate in the seasonal festivities.

There will be hearty Glühwein (mulled wine) and other beverages, and the Bonnie Birch Trio provides entertainment.

Shoreline residents Bob Otto, Maureen O'Neill, and Martin Kral represent the customary trio of St. Nikolaus, Krampus, and Angel, so typical for an Austrian Christmas.

Each child is given a Krampus Sackerl of goodies (nuts and chocolates). Parents are encouraged to turn over a wrapped and marked gift for their child that St. Nick then can offer to that boy or girl.




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North City Holiday Tree Lighting Saturday

Saturday, November 24, 2018

North City tree
Photo by Carl Dinse
North City Holiday Tree Lighting Saturday, December 1, 2018, 6:30pm – 7:30pm at Les Schwab at NE 180th St and 15th Ave NE

You are invited to the 21st annual North City tree lighting event. 

Bring the whole family to Les Schwab at 180th and 15th Ave NE to help light the 25 foot “tree” on top of the North City water tower.

There will be live music and children can have their pictures taken with Santa (courtesy of the North City Walgreens.) 

Coffee and other refreshments will be provided to help keep you warm, so don’t let the weather keep you from coming out.

Bring non-perishable food items for Hopelink.

The tree lighting is sponsored by:
More information here.



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Christmas: tickets on sale now for Northwest Boychoir Festival of Lessons and Carols

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Northwest Boychoir Festival of Lessons and Carols
at Benaroya Hall
Photo by Ben VanHouten

Northwest Boychoir presents 

A Festival of Lessons and Carols
A Northwest Holiday Tradition – December 14-23, 2018 
at multiple area locations

The Northwest Boychoir celebrates its 40-year tradition of the presentation of its A Festival of Lessons and Carols concert series featuring eight regional performances in December. These holiday concerts showcase the 90-member combined chorus of the Northwest Boychoir and Vocalpoint! Seattle.

Patterned after the Christmas Eve observance at King’s College in Cambridge, England, A Festival of Lessons and Carols is a holiday tradition for thousands of families in the Puget Sound region. This classical performance consists of nine holiday readings, each followed by a traditional carol performed by the choir, and another carol sung by the choir and audience.

Tickets and More Information HERE

Reserved Seating. Advanced tickets encouraged as many venues sell-out. Tickets are $11-$35, including discounts for seniors and students.

Wedgwood
Friday, December 14, 7:30 pm
Our Lady of the Lake Church
8900 35th Avenue NE, Seattle

Lynnwood
Saturday December 15, 7:30 pm
Trinity Lutheran Church6215 196th Street SW, Lynnwood

West Seattle
Sunday December 16, 7:00 pm
Holy Rosary Church
4210 SW Genesee Street, Seattle

Capitol Hill
Wednesday, December 19, 7:30 pm
Saint Mark’s Cathedral1245 10th Avenue East, Seattle

Ballard
Thursday, December 20, 7:30 pm
St. Alphonsus Church
5816 15th Avenue NW, Seattle

West Seattle
Friday, December 21, 7:30 pm
Holy Rosary Church
4210 SW Genesee Street, Seattle

Downtown
Saturday, December 22, 7:30 pm
Benaroya Hall
S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium
Presented by the Seattle Symphony with Northwest Sinfonia
200 University Street, Seattle
Tickets through Seattle Symphony:
206.215.4747 or www.seattlesymphony.org

Downtown
Sunday, December 23, 7:00 pm
Seattle First Presbyterian Church
1013 8th Avenue, Seattle



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Christmas decorations vandalized in Lake Forest Park

Monday, January 15, 2018

Snow family memorial
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


A family living in LFP (17500 block of 37th Ave NE) have had their snowman decorations vandalized over the past three years and have decided to stop setting up decorations.

They have created a memorial and others are dropping off flowers.



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Rob Oxford: "It's Just What I Always Wanted"

Thursday, December 28, 2017

By Rob Oxford

The snow has melted and all the packages have been unwrapped. Many have been returned and some stores are already shifting their attention towards February 14th. The greens and reds have been replaced with pinks and purples. Santa Claus, his reindeer and packages of breakable tree ornaments have made way for Cupid, candy hearts and boxes of chocolate.

It's an undeniable fact that anymore, we're hardly given time to recover from the whirlwind of joy that just hit us like a 2 ton lump of coal before we're forced to ask someone to be our valentine.

But before the credit card statement arrives, let's spend these final paragraphs of 2017 reflecting back on the very best part of the Christmas Season.

For some it's baking goodies for neighbors with whom they speak maybe 3 or 4 times a year. For others it's the feigned laughter at a coworkers inappropriate jokes during the office holiday party. Some pretend that singing carols off-key in front of complete strangers at the local pub puts them in the spirit, while others insist it's time spent with family...huh? or simply time off work.

But let's be honest, it's all about the presents...isn't it?

Of course I'm being sarcastic, but unfortunately too much emphasis has always been put on gift giving. "I got the same thing last year", "Oh Boy! Another tie" and "Did you remember to get a gift receipt?" are familiar refrains. But as my 15 year old said recently, who by the way is used to earning his own money and with no help from Mom or Dad picking out and purchasing his own gifts to give; "People worry about the cost more than the value." Wow! That's deep.

There's probably very few of us who if we had the financial means, would give a second thought to how much something costs or how much we should spend on our spouses or children, but we live in Shoreline, not Medina.

So what is the best gift you've ever received? It's not the guitar you told your Mother you "had to have", that you never learned to play. It's certainly not the leather jacket you left behind at the nightclub you have no recollection of even visiting and it isn't the $250 pair of shoes that you'll outgrow in 6 months.

In fact, I'm going to venture to guess that the snowflake mobile made by your 3rd Grader in art class, carefully smuggled home under their winter jacket or the drawing of you and your 1st Grader having tea together or the pair of work gloves purchased by your 6th Grader with birthday money they've been saving since April, just might be the best present you've ever received and really is "just what you've always wanted".



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Merry Christmas to all from the Shoreline Area News

Sunday, December 24, 2017



Merry Christmas to all from the Shoreline Area News

We'll be taking a couple of days off
to enjoy the holiday




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Santas I have known

Saturday, December 23, 2017

By Charles Kraus 
aka Charles The Clown

“Is this the line for cheeseburgers?” 
"NO! It’s for Santa!"

That’s a kid responding to my question. I’ve been Charles The Clowning my way through life — more than 50 years of performing for children, including hundreds and hundreds of Christmas events.

That means I’ve introduced, worked with, and/or helped to sober up hundreds and hundreds of Santa Clauses. Evidently kids are not particular about who is wearing the outfit.

I finish my show, making the final extra gigantic balloon reindeer. My puppet and I are saying good-bye when suddenly we hear something.

"Hold on kids." I look up. 
Could it be … ? 
"I think Santa might be up there." 

Puppet: "Santa Monica?"
"No … that’s to the south."

Puppet: "Santa Barbara?"
"To the north."

Puppet: "Santa Who?"
"Santa CLAUS!"

I point to the door, the prearranged door, for the prearranged entrance. I’ve said my line … now Santa is supposed to come rushing in.

Not yet? Where is he?

"OK. Kids, maybe he’s having trouble finding a parking spot for the sleigh. Perhaps his GPS isn’t working and he can't locate us. Why don’t we shout “Hello Santa!”

"HELLO SANTA!”

Eventually, when he, or she, is ready, has gotten up the nerve, refastened the beard, and figured out the cue has been given … and given ... out pops Santa.

The person in the red suit is young, or old. He’s fat or skinny. He’s Black, Hispanic, Asian, Filipino. There was the Santa with the very French waxed handlebar mustache, the ends twisted into swirling curlicues. It might be time for Mrs. Santa. Santa in a wheelchair or using a walker. I’ve worked with gay Santas, with lesbian Santas, and in retrospect, possibly with transgender Santas.

One of my jobs is to travel the line, keep the kids entertained while they wait for a turn to tell The Claus what they would like for Christmas.

“I’ve got my list,” I tell them, waving it around. I start to read … 
“Bread, Milk, Swiss Cheese … hold on, that’s my shopping list.”

Sometimes I ask children what is on their Christmas list. Occasionally, having sized up the Santa they are about to meet, I’m thinking the best thing the kids could ask for would be a change of venue.

The meet and greet is a rite of passage that most kids take in stride. Some may be fearful, but I’ve heard few complaints regarding authenticity. It does strike me that most Santa impersonators have been cajoled into donning the suit. There is a reluctance. Perhaps an embarrassment aspect.

A little Ho Ho Ho. The official questions: Been good? And what do you want for Christmas? Not a demanding script.

The trick is to listen to the answers.

The better Santas help children put the gift thing into perspective.

“I’ll try to get you that, Harriet, but if the elves don’t have time to make one, I promise to get you something else you’ll enjoy.”

Say it like you mean it, Santa. And, oh …. pull down that sleeve. Your Grateful Dead tattoo is showing.



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Parking info for Christmas Ship viewing Wednesday in LFP

Monday, December 18, 2017

Parking for Christmas Ship viewing

If you plan on enjoying the 2017 Argosy Cruise Christmas Ship Festival Wednesday, December 20, at Lyon Creek Waterfront Park, parking is ONLY available at City Hall.

There is NO event parking at the park or on Beach Drive. Additionally, there is NO access to Kenmore’s Log Boom Park from Beach Drive.

Enjoy the 20-minute choir performance and broadcast from the Christmas Ship starting around 7:55pm!

Make sure to stop by City Hall before walking over for some hot cocoa, apple cider, and cookies with Mayor Jeff Johnson from 7:00-7:30 p.m.!


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Christmas Ship visit in Lake Forest Park open to the public

Friday, December 15, 2017

Coming to Lake Forest Park next Wednesday


Argosy Cruise Christmas Ship Festival, Wednesday, December 20 at Lyon Creek Waterfront Park

Park at City Hall, have cocoa with the mayor, then walk to the park for the show!

Lyon Creek Waterfront Park, 17337 Beach Dr NE, (next to the Civic Club) will be open for the public to enjoy the annual holiday celebration that has been part of the Northwest since 1949.

Enjoy the 20-minute choir performance and broadcast from the Christmas Ship starting around 7:55pm!

Before heading down to Lyon Creek Waterfront Park, stop by City Hall for some hot cocoa, apple cider, and cookies with Mayor Jeff Johnson from 7:00-7:30pm.

Parking will be available in front of City Hall, just a short walk from the park.



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Greenwood Santa

Sassy and Santa

Text and photos by Cynthia Sheridan

At the end of the summer, when most folks are thinking about football, and back-to-school, Steve Branam puts down his razor and begins the four month process of growing out his beard.

Come December, and after a few rounds of conditioner and a professional trim, Steve is ready for his annual Santa gig.

This journey began five years ago when Greenwood Windermere Realty invited Steve, a professional sewer pipe specialist, to play Santa for their customers.

They even loaned him a Santa suit. 

Since then, he has perfected his beard… and eyebrows! and now owns his own Santa suit.

Steve also prides himself on learning tidbits about visitors in advance so he can wow them with his ‘magical’ insight.

You may come across this Santa in many places around the north end, such as your local grocery store and a doctor’s office or two.

Be sure to admire his wonderful curly beard, which is sure to disappear in January.



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Christmas Ship at Log Boom Park Monday Dec 18 - choir, hot cocoa and luminaria


Come enjoy the lights and caroling of the @ArgosyCruises Christmas Ships as they arrive at Log Boom Park’s luminaria-lit pier, Monday, December 18 at 8:25pm. Warm up with hot cocoa and cider from @DivaEspresso between 8 - 9pm and help launch paper lanterns as the ships depart.

The Christmas Ship Festival has been a Pacific Northwest tradition since 1949. People from near and far come together to sail on the Christmas Ship with the choir, join the flotilla on their own boat, or enjoy the choir performances from shore.

The ship, featuring the Pacific Sound Chorus, will depart from Kirkland City Dock, make their first stop at Juanita Beach Park at 7:20pm and visit Log Boom Park at 8:25pm for a 20-minute performance.

Log Boom Park, 17415 61st Ave NE, Kenmore

More information about the Argosy Christmas Ship Festival here



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Get your kayak and go Christmas caroling on the Slough Saturday

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Got a hand-powered watercraft and enjoy caroling? Join the Kenmore Waterfront Activity Center - KWAC on Saturday, December 16, from 3:00pm to 4:00pm for a fun and unique event on the Slough!

Squires Landing Park, 7353 NE 175th St, Kenmore.

For further information, email.



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Christmas Ship at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park

St. Luke choir sang to the crowd
at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park

Text and photos by Wayne Pridemore

Argosy's Christmas Ship was at the Richmond Beach Saltwater Park Wednesday evening. The Richmond Beach Community Association and the City of Shoreline sponsored the annual event.

Cookies!


There were free cookies, a large beach bonfire, and the Saint Luke School choir.

A beach bonfire sent sparks into the night sky


The Argosy Christmas Ship Festival has been a Northwest tradition since 1949. The ship is decorated with hundreds of Christmas lights and sails to different Puget Sound waterfront communities. The Center for Spiritual Living choir sang a ship-to-shore medley of holiday songs.

Christmas ship and a decorated home

The Christmas Ship comes in close and stops for a program of Christmas carols with a different choir every year.

The full St. Luke choir

People didn't have to wait for the ship to hear a choir - the St. Luke choir sang a full program.



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Christmas Singalong Dec 20

Tuesday, December 12, 2017


7th annual Christmas singalong on Wednesday, December 20 at 7pm at the Phoenix Theatre in Edmond's Firdale Village, 9673 Firdale Ave, Edmonds 98020.

Free admission but bring food or cash for the Edmonds Food Bank.



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Dickens Carolers at LFP Library Saturday

The Dickens Carolers, Saturday, December 16, 2-3pm at the Lake Forest Park Library, Town Center, Ballinger and Bothell Way. All ages welcome.

Adorned in elegant Victorian dress, an a cappella quartet of two ladies in luxurious velvet and two gentlemen wearing handsome tailcoats and top hats sing your holiday favorites, both traditional and contemporary, in beautiful four-point harmony.



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Christmas Ship Celebration Wednesday Dec 13 at Richmond Beach Saltwater Park

Thursday, December 7, 2017

Photo courtesy RBCA


Wednesday, Dec. 13, 7:30 to 8:40 p.m.
Richmond Beach Saltwater Park

Sponsored by City of Shoreline and Richmond Beach Community Association

Treat yourself and your loved ones to a festive evening of outdoor celebration along Shoreline's spectacular beachfront. Come and hear live music by the St. Luke School Choir while waiting for the Argosy Christmas Ship to arrive.

A 20-minute performance onboard the vessel by the Center for Spiritual LIving Choir will serenade beach guests. Enjoy complimentary cookies and stay warm near the roaring beach bonfires.

Free to participate. Parking is limited, so please walk if possible.


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