Holiday celebration returns to Mill Creek
Published 7:39 am Friday, February 22, 2008
MILL CREEK – Mill Creek City Hall lit up during a rare tree lighting ceremony Dec. 7 as young voices rang out, filling the air with festive music.
“You’re a Monster, Mr. Grinch!” belted out first- and second-grader students from Mill Creek Elementary. They also sang “All I want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth,” and judging by their smiles, some youngsters looked as if the song hit close to home. About 200 people showed up for the festivities, which also featured performances from Jackson High School jazz band and choir.
Teens singing in sparkly red dresses, young men in black shirts and crimson ties, band members decked in black and white proudly playing their bright, shiny instruments – all added to feeling of celebration. Santa Claus showed up, too, riding in a red fire truck.
Gabe Oh, teen coordinator for the city, organized the event and was Master of Ceremonies. This was the first tree lighting Mill Creek’s had in years.
“I’d like to see this really take off,” said Mill Creek resident Gretchen Hanna. “These community events make Mill Creek more than a commuter’s place to live.” She came to see her neighbors’ little girl, Ashley, solo in the “Mr. Grinch” song.
“It’s darling,” said Hanna.
Nearby, Mill Creek resident Kevin Corrigan was grinning as he videotaped his daughter Allison, 8, the first soloist in “Deck the Halls.” Lots of people said they hope the tree lighting continues and becomes an entrenched tradition.
Deanne Bodyfelt, Mill Creek, said she was delighted to see her sons perform. Kaeden Bodyfelt, 7, said his favorite song was “The Grinch.” His older brother, CJ Haugen, plays the bass guitar in jazz band, something his mother said CJ always wanted to do. CJ said his fingers were nearly frozen by the end of the night. Still, he was smiling.
People warmed their hands on cups of coffee and hot chocolate. Youth from Mill Creek’s advisory board staffed the booth.
Santa Claus showed up on Engine #76, thanks to Snohomish County Fire District 7 firefighters Chad Berg, Mike Grennan, and Rohan Peterson. Excited kids decorated paper snowflakes before getting their picture taken with Santa.
The music, crisp air, and people bundled up reminded Mill Creek resident Chuck Wright of New York. “It makes me homesick,” he said. “The only time I miss New York is Christmastime.” Wright, also Mill Creek planning commissioner, gave one young boy, Alexander James Cory Metros, 6, the best view of Santa’s arrival as he hoisted Alexander up on his shoulders. “I think even Scrooge would smile,” said Wright.“I wonder if young people know how much pleasure their music brings?”
Mary Kay Voss, a Mill Creek City Council member, agreed that sharing students’ talent with the community is “fun for everybody.”
