Yakima certainly has its fair share of Christmas entertainment. You can indulge your sweet tooth by making a visit to the annual Christmas cookie competition or take in the dazzling lights of Union Gap's Old Town Lighted Christmas parade. Whatever your annual Christmas traditions are, each occasion has placed a warm holiday memory that can be forever cherished.
Like much of the world, four years ago it was difficult for many to feel joyous about celebrating Christmas. The outbreaks of COVID-19 cases rising throughout the nation, left many of us feeling anxious, confused and saddened. These were dark times leaving many of us with feelings of helplessness and found it difficult to imagine light coming into the darkness.
It was at that time when Yakima's State Fair Park Kathy Kramer, had just come into her new role as CEO. Instead of planning for the event center's annual Christmas Fair, Kramer and her colleagues were at a loss when the festive event had been canceled.
In the era of social distancing and quarantines, many of the members in the marketing team were let go, leaving only eight staff members to come up with creative event ideas for the upcoming holiday. Inspired by Branson Missouri's Silver Dollar amusement park drive through light displays in the Ozarks, Kramer could visualize how this type of display would work in holiday cheer in Yakima. Kramer, along with her State Fair Park team, came up with the idea of a Christmas lights drive through display.
With the theme of Santa's Workshop, the staff worked together to create a Christmas miracle event designed to keep attendees safe. Together, the employees hung lights and shared in the excitement of what this cruise through a lit up wonderland could bring.
The launch of the display was a hit for a town eager to experience illumination through dark uncertainty. Hundreds of cars showed up on opening night. Approaching spectators waited as long as three hours to experience this enchanting memory.
Kramer said she was astounded when she noticed several drivers paying entrance fees for drivers behind them, all in the name of sharing the holiday spirit.
"It was truly a proud moment for me," she said, adding she'll never forget the happiness of the children in their pajamas looking at the festive scenery in awe through sunroofs. Even family pets were in on the action, decked out in holiday attire.
Lisa Sargent of Yakima's Salvation Army, the envoy of 24 years, has overwhelming feelings of holiday memories through service work. Everything from gathering angel tree presents for children; planning candlelight services; partnering up with Toys for Tots; and especially, serving families in need. Sargent recalls one holiday season involving a husband and father who was heartbroken he could not provide the Christmas he would like for his family due to having an ongoing illness.
The humble family man went through multiple visits to doctors in Seattle for treatments. He was unable to work and could not celebrate the holiday with his family. With the help of an individual Salvation Army sponsor, the father was blessed with commutes to hospital visits from the sponsor, while the nonprofit provided the family with food and presents. It's a memory that -- especially around this time of year -- stands out for Sargent.
"The Salvation Army serves all year long but there is something special about the Christmas season. God blesses us all," Sargent said. Christmas only comes one time a year. make sure you take the time to enjoy the traditions you hold dear.
It's also the season to create magical new memories for others. And of course, remember Santa Claus is always watching, and the whole world is on his list.
Magazine A reason to celebrate: A home isn't a home without family CHRISTINE CORBETT CONKLIN Yakima Magazine 4 min to read