Christmas arrives in Santa-point

SANDPOINT — It's officially Christmas in Santa-point, Idaho-ho-ho as the Jolly Old Elf himself helped kick off the holiday season, arriving at the town square on a Sandpoint Fire truck. 

"It's just a great way to kick off the holidays and just be surrounded by community and enjoy a little Christmas cheer," said Jessica Andry, who came to the celebration with her husband, William, and her two daughters, Vivian and Aaleyah. 

While they've lived in the community for 14 years, the family said other commitments mean that they aren't always able to attend the tree lighting and were excited that they were able to do so this year. 

"I love seeing all the kids' faces when the lights go on," she said. 

The family said they love to hear the Christmas carols and the positive spirits that the holidays bring about. The tree lighting helps kick the season off, the quartet said. 

"There's just something about the holidays that brings an extra smile to your face," Jessica Andry said. 

The chance to enjoy a little Christmas magic brought Megan and Seth Jackson and their family to the celebration, a family tradition since their children were born. 

"I like that it brings the community together and everyone's just so excited for Christmas and holiday magic," Megan Jackson said, as one of her children chimed in, "and hot chocolate." 

Seth Jackson chuckled, noting that it was a big one for their children. The whole family enjoys seeing people they know. 

"I've seen a lot of people we know here," he said. "I got a text from our old neighbor asking if we were going to the tree lighting. Just the small town brings everyone together." 

The Jacksons said they appreciated all the hard work that went into the celebration and for the local police officers walking around, exchanging hellos, and interacting with the community. They encouraged those who weren't able to attend to make the time to attend the celebration next year. 

"Don't be a scrooge," joked Seth Jackson. 

As soon as the clock hit 6 p.m., all attention turned to the town Christmas tree, and following a quick countdown, the lights turned on to the cheers and applause of everyone gathered around the town square. Soon, local youth gave another cheer as the siren for the city's antique firetruck signaled that Santa had arrived in town to help the community kick off the holiday season and to talk with local youngsters. 

Requests to Santa ranged from dolls and Legos to high-tech tablets and robots and everything in-between as more than 500 people packed Jeff Jones Town Square for the annual celebration, featuring treats, Santa, and lighting of the community Christmas tree.  

The annual celebration is an important kickoff to the holiday season in Sandpoint, Mickey Quinn, Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce executive director, said. Not only is it a fun celebration where the community can come together, it is also a way to showcase the many great businesses in the area. 

Helping put on the event were a trio of sponsors: BNSF Railway sponsored the hot cocoa, Idaho Forest Group the apple cider, and Ziply Fiber the cookies that were handed out to those gathered. The event also would not be possible without the many volunteers who work behind the scenes, set up the event and clean up after it's over. 

"(The tree lighting) is a wonderful event to showcase all the support that our businesses contribute to the chamber and to our community," Quinn said. "It's also great for our community because they come out and have this wonderful free event to go to and it really does feel like a family-friendly community effort where everyone is just having a nice time." 

Sandpoint Mayor Jeremy Grimm welcomed the crowd to the tree lighting, saying it is one of two recent events — the first being Thursday's annual Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving — that show the heart of the community. Hundreds turned out for the annual benefit run, which raised funds and food for the Bonner Community Food Bank. 

The Sandpoint mayor wished those gathered a merry Christmas and encouraged them to consider shopping locally this Christmas season. 

"Enjoy your holiday weekend and always think about shopping local," Grimm said. "We all love our downtown and certainly want to make sure it thrives." 

Quinn agreed, saying there were many wonderful shops in the community with unique items with business owners and employees who can help you find the perfect gift. 

"You just can't beat being able to talk to a shop owner or the salespeople, and they can help guide you," she added. "Sometimes it's a little overwhelming because there are so many different options but they can help you by asking questions and finding out who it is that you're shopping for." 

But, Quinn said, the best part about the community's annual tree lighting ceremony is that it is simply a lot of fun. 

"Seeing all the little kids and they're so well-behaved and everyone is just having a great time," she added. 

    Kaitlyn Lohse and niece Lark Nagy snuggle together while waiting for Santa to arrive at the Jeff Jones Town Square in Sandpoint. The pair were among more than 500 people who turned out to kick off the Christmas season at the community's annual tree lighting.