Roy lights their tree with a grand little party

Santa arrives at the Roy community Cetner — Santa arrives at the Roy community Center

Friday night’s Christmas Tree Lighting in the city of Roy was quaint, festive and fun for all. There were cookies, cake and punch laid out with holiday plates and napkins. Lori Haun brought out her Mellophonium and played Christmas carols. The Triple Nickel was on hand to mingle with the townfolk. For the past thirteen years, they have provided the tree for the event.

Santa arrived with lights and sirens escorted by police Chief Darwin Armitage. There was plenty of time for kids to sit on his lap and tell their stories of how good they were this past year. Santa hugged Joe, who had been in the special Olympics this year competing in bowling, basketball and track and field. Joe also helps out in the library, mowing the lawn and keeping the place clean. He is definitely on the good list.

Santa and Roy Mayor Karen Yates - runmor has it she and Santa know each other fairly well. — Santa and Roy Mayor Karen Yates – rumor has it she and Santa know each other fairly well.

Cole Everett had an extended conversation with Santa. His mother Angela was amazed at how much he had to say. Santa was a great listener.

At 7 p.m. the crowd poured out of the Community Center to the street corner by City Hall. As Lori Haun played We Wish You a Merry Christmas and everyone sang along as the bright lights lit up the tree.

The Everett's pose by the tree — The Everett’s pose by the tree

People posed by the tree and took their pictures. The mayor presented a plush teddy bear to Lori for her lovely music and the crowd gradually wandered off into the night.

A few wandered back into the community center and cleaned up the table, still well stocked with Christmas cookies. Joe started sweeping the floor and Lori packed up her Mellophonium, pausing to chat with a reporter from the Nisqually Valley News.

Lori Haun poses with the Mellophonium and new teddy bear

It was classic small town evening event and all was well with the world… until the bottom half of the tree suddenly went dark. Tomorrow the town electrician will investigate. [This reporter, who has some experience with Christmas Tree lightings herself thinks they will find there was a couple more chains of lights strung together than the manufacturer recommends. That will cause the internal fuses in the chains to blow. A few electrical plug splitters should take care of the problem and they’ll be back in business tomorrow night.]

Merry Christmas to the City of Roy. Here’s to a Happy New Year for all!