Our Town is About to be Lit!
Christmas is a big deal in this town. Pretty soon, Shelton will be dazzling with lights strung across Railroad Avenue and wrapped around light poles and trees lining the street. Preparations for holiday festivities are underway and Christmas is coming! The Chamber leads the way in the annual decorations throughout town. You will soon see Tollie and the caboose draped with evergreens, bows, and bright lights. The lamp posts that held flower baskets in the summer will be adorned with tinseled, twinkly décor of ornaments, bells, and stars, while Santa and his reindeer take flight across the intersection at 7th & Railroad.
Meanwhile, our friends at Northwest Event Organizers add baubles and shine along Railroad Ave and Kristmas Town Kiwanis trims the town at Overlook Park, the clocktower at Evergreen Square, and organize the tree lighting in Post Office Park.
The tradition of turning our small town into Christmastown USA every year gets people engaged in the spirit of celebrating community. It’s made possible thanks to generous donations from businesses and individuals, every single year, that make this quaint town twinkle. The Chamber Foundation funds flower baskets bursting with color in the summer months and the glow of shiny street lights in the winter.
Last year, the Chamber joined forces with the Johnson Family to present Keeping Spirits Bright, the Christmas lights competition with an interactive map. Registration is open and additional entries can be added to the map until December 17, 2021. Judging will take place December 23-December 30 and winners will be announced on New Year’s Eve. Judges will include local celebrities, elected officials, and program supporters.
There are five categories: commercial entries countywide; and residential for City of Shelton, Greater Shelton, Hoodsport & Union, and Greater Belfair. There’s also talk of a People’s Choice award so get ready to take a tour, post photos, and share in the festive fun.
Join in the fun by going to masonchamber.com/christmastown/map/ to sign up now (this webpage will later be transformed to show who’s participating). Participants may choose to vie for the title, get on the map, and select where to pick up their yard sign. The number of participants in each category will determine the prizes awarded in each category. All proceeds of the event will benefit the beautification program.
During 2021, just over $20,000 was raised for the beautification program by residents who care about continuing to cheer up our primary roadways and put hometown hospitality on display. Community partners are paramount to carry out this plan year over year. Specifically, the ongoing support of City of Shelton, Green Diamond Resource Company, Hood Canal Communications, and Mason PUD 3 who contribute time, money, and resources to the setup and maintenance of beautification projects.
Do you love the glimmer that Christmas brings too? If so, please consider a contribution to the Chamber’s campaign. Gifts of any amount are appreciated! You can make a tax-deductible donation through the Chamber’s Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, either online at masonchamer.com/beautification or by check payable to SMCCF, PO Box 2389, Shelton, WA 98584. For additional details, don’t hesitate to call us directly at (360) 426-2021.