Twinkle light heaven

Yesterday, I had the good fortune of benefiting from my brother-in-law's chest cold.

Kim had purchased 4 tickets from Clipper Vacation to ride a coach bus to Leavenworth to partake in the annual tree lighting ceremony. When Jason became too ill to attend, I was invited to fill his seat.

I've visited the Bavarian town of Leavenworth a few times in the past but never during the holidays. Its annual tree lighting ceremony is ranked among the top ten in the nation.

Good fortune was smiling upon us as we boarded the bus in Kent and were greeted by jolly Ken and bus driver, Russ. Gorgeous weather ensued and, as we traveled over Steven's Pass on Highway 2, the view was breathtakingly beautiful.

We were told that attendance would be 'lighter' this weekend than had we waited to attend the ceremony on the weekends closer to Christmas. Then, tour buses number in excess of 150 and the Amtrak train is 100% full of ceremony attendees. The little town of Leavenworth swells in number when 25,000 tourists are added to its small population of only 2,000 residents! (A tip worth considering: Ken claims that the Sunday tree lighting ceremonies have only a fraction of the attendees compared to the Saturday events.)

No one seemed to mind the occasional elbow-in-the-ribs and getting close and personal with complete strangers. A collective holly jolly, festive attitude was present.

The Hat store was so popular. A line of at least 30 people, waiting their turn to shop, snaked into the street ALL DAY LONG. Perhaps it's part of the 'Christmas in Leavenworth' tradition to purchase an amusing holiday themed hat? We observed crazy hats complete with twinkle lights, decorated gingerbread houses, 'Cat-in-the-hat' type of top hats in grinch green, etc. etc. etc.

The actual tree lighting ceremony began at 4:30 pm. I think it should be called The Town Lighting ceremony because each business on the main street turns on their outdoor Christmas lights in succession - like a domino effect. The trees, in the center of town, are the last to light up.

A lederhosen for Cooper. Oh, my son would kill me!

Braziers are set up around town to warm one's limbs. The temperature was in the 20's. By evening, delicate snowflakes began to fall, only heightening the overall effect of the experience!

Riding home, I felt satiated with holiday delight.....