Holiday spirit afloat at Everett boat parade

EVERETT — Snowflakes kept falling on Rachel Lashbaugh’s eyelashes, hair and white coat Saturday evening, but the 3-year-old was determined to see Santa and the big, bright Christmas tree.

Mom Noelle Lashbaugh, 33, of Everett tried shielding Rachel with a red umbrella, but the snowflakes got to her anyway.

The family couldn’t find parking and missed the tree-lighting ceremony by just a few minutes, Lashbaugh said.

But the sounds of Christmas carols filled the air, the tree’s electric lights glistened and little Rachel was happy.

“She is 3, so she doesn’t care,” Lashbaugh said of her daughter. “She got to see Santa and she is very excited.”

The Lashbaugh family were among about 200 people who gathered along the Everett waterfront Saturday for the annual tree-lighting ceremony and the decorated boat parade.

People came bundled up and ready for the cold, steaming cups of coffee in their gloved hands.

Families brought children, and hand-holding couples stopped by before heading off to one of the nearby restaurants.

Evelyn Dudey, 47, and Mark Glidden, 51, came to take in the Christmas spirit.

The Everett couple, who will celebrate their first Christmas this year as husband and wife, said they welcomed the snow with a smile.

Glidden said he had been to the boat parade before and is considering decorating his own boat and participating next year. “Sometimes it’s hard to get into the Christmas spirit, but things like this help,” he said.

Christmas is a very special holiday for the couple, Dudey said. They even named their dog Comet, after one of Santa’s reindeer.

The crowd gave a loud cheer and a round of applause when Santa finally lit the tree. Some revelers began to leave, but Glidden and Dudey stayed.

Snowflakes melting in clouds of breath, they continued singing their favorite Christmas songs along with the choir, making the spirit last a little longer.

Reporter Katya Yefimova: 425-339-3452 or kyefimova@heraldnet.com.