Holidays flying high after Christmas Kickoff
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-Chronicle photo
Santa Claus, with help from an enthusiastic Mrs. Claus, held court in the Festival of Trees location on Main Street, here hearing the Christmas wishes of two youngsters, Lander Eastup, 9, left, and brother Liam Eastup, 6, right, of Walla Walla.
DAYTON–Despite crackling cold, folks ventured to Dayton last Friday and Saturday to enjoy the community's Christmas Kickoff and all that goes with it: shopping, smiles and laughter, the Bethlehem creche, chilly mule-drawn wagon rides, a festive lighted parade and glittering fireworks.
"I thought we had a great turnout, despite the cold weather on Friday," commented Molly Weatherill-Tate, manager of the Dayton Chamber of Commerce, which puts on the event.
-Chronicle photo
This hardy bunch of Ugly Sweater Dashers took off on the Christmas Kickoff's opening event, passing under the stoic gazes of the new Nutcrackers at the Columbia County Courthouse. Nearly three dozen took part in the 5k run, sponsored by the Backroads Club through the streets and over the sidewalks of downtown Dayton.
"The Festival of Trees brought in 515 people on Friday, 130 on Saturday and 65 on Ladies Night Out on Monday," said Weatherill-Tate. "I was wowed by the amount of donations ($1,180) photos with Santa brought in. The hayrides were full for most rides on Friday and Saturday.
"We brought in the extra wagon with horses on Friday so people wouldn't have to wait in line," she added. "And I was pleased with attendance for the lighted parade, Christmas tree lighting and fireworks show."
Shops up and down Dayton's Main Street enjoyed brisk business, and shoppers chattered happily as holiday music provided a backdrop of holiday spirit.
"People were walking through the doors all day -- it was warm and golden inside the gallery, a relief from the biting cold outside," commented Carolyn Henderson of the activities at the Wenaha Gallery. "Inside, our three featured artists were kept busy all afternoon chatting with people, answering questions about their art, and doing a brisk business of selling it. Savonnah's artisan treats were, as usual, a tremendous hit, and in between ringing up sales and answering people's questions, gallery staff was constantly stocking cookies, cupcakes, and punch."
