By Karen Larsen

Large flakes of snow were falling as many families in Waterville gathered Dec. 1 at the entrance of Pioneer Park for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.

Though Dave and Marvel Mires have officially retired from their work as caterers, they still baked the cookies for the event.

These were served with hot chocolate and marshmallows by chamber members at the city maintenance building at the edge of the park.

Frosty the Snowman, in addition to bringing the picturesque flakes, also handed out 93 bags of goodies provided by the Chamber of Commerce.

Unlike other years, the large tree in the North Cascades National Bank parking lot was not lit up. The smaller tree in the park was lit instead.

High school music teacher Will Chisholm came with the choir to sing carols as the tree came to life.

The snow piles that have accumulated in the park so far this season provided plenty of winter fun for the children after they had consumed their share of cookies and hot chocolate. Cheerful voices and laughs resounded through the park.

Chamber president Keith Soderstrom said that he was very pleased with the turn-out for the event. He appreciated the help that the elementary school gave in sending home fliers to each student.

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