PORT TOWNSEND — Santa Claus may be ready to start making his rounds, but his reindeer apparently are still in training.
Arriving by horse-drawn carriage at the corner of Washington and Taylor streets on Saturday, Santa took the stage above the Haller Fountain and raised his arms as lights blinked to life on Port Townsend’s community Christmas tree.
More than 500 people crammed into the streets to catch a peek at Old Saint Nick as he used the replacement sleigh to get into town.
During the greetings, people yelled from the crowd, “I love you, Santa!”
Sandoval speaks
Port Townsend Mayor Michelle Sandoval took a break from her short speech to reaffirm that yes, “We all love Santa in Port Townsend.”
Sandoval reminded the crowd of the blessings all can count on this holiday season.
“It is a time to take stock in what really matters,” Sandoval said. “We have time to remember that we all have each other to get through the tough times.
“We can all be thankful for the love in our lives, and we want to wish everyone joy this holiday season.”
Then it was Santa’s time to shine.
Children squealed, flashbulbs flared and people cheered when Santa proclaimed that Port Townsend was his preferred stop.
“This is my favorite place to come to each and every year,” Claus bellowed to the crowd.
“Port Townsend is my very first stop of the Christmas marathon.
“To everybody, I thank you for coming out here to see Santa this year.”
Then he boomed out the line that the whole crowd had waited to hear: “Merry Christmas!”
Some had expected snow Saturday night in Port Townsend. They were disappointed.
But everything else was available to warm up holiday cheer.
Christmas carols rang out, coffee and hot cocoa were sold on the sidewalks, friends shared stories and children’s eyes lit up as the star of the holiday season gave them a wink and a wave.
The community Christmas tree — 20 feet tall and decked in lights and ornaments — was lit at 4:45 p.m.
It will stay lit though Christmas day, reminding all of what they have to be thankful for this holiday season.
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Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com.