In efforts to kick off the holiday season in a big way, the City of Yelm’s Parks and Recreation Department has a festive weekend planned for the first weekend in December, as the annual Christmas tree-lighting event and Christmas in the Park activities return on Friday, Dec. 6, and Saturday, Dec. 7.
Line Roy, the City of Yelm’s communications and recreation coordinator, highlighted a series of Christmas events the Parks and Recreations Department is hosting, beginning with the tree-lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6 at Yelm City Park.
Roy said participants will have the opportunity to meet the 2024 Masters of Merriment, Gary and Debbie Edwards, and celebrate with the two as they switch on the Christmas lights to welcome the start of the Christmas season. After the event, free photos with Santa will be offered inside the Yelm Community Center.
“I am expecting people to show up and be ready to sing a couple of Christmas songs and get into the holiday spirit,” Roy said. “We want to enjoy what will hopefully be a dry evening in order to celebrate two people who have given so much to our community to kick off the holiday season.”
The next day offers a fun morning of activities for residents of all ages to enjoy. At 9 a.m., the annual Christmas in the Park Parade will be hosted by the Yelm Chamber of Commerce down Yelm Avenue. Following its conclusion, the City of Yelm and other local organizations will host Christmas in the Park activities at 10 a.m. at Yelm City Park.
“For us, partnering with every organization is so important to us. The chamber is a great partner in doing the parade. We wouldn’t be able to do it without them making it all happen for us,” Roy said. “I know there were a couple years we couldn’t have the parade, and I think not having the parade made Yelm less Christmas-y. The Christmas spirit just wasn’t as plentiful, so being able to bring that back and partner with them to make that happen is paramount to making sure the Christmas spirit is alive in our community.”
During the Christmas in the Park activities, participants will be able to enjoy free games, activities and goodies hosted and sponsored by local businesses and organizations. Throughout the event, Mr. Dougs will provide free hotdogs and cocoa for attendants.
The local entertainment and performance schedule includes:
10:30 a.m. — Metal Angels
11 a.m. — YARD Cheer holiday performance
11:15 a.m. — Storytime with the Grinch, presented by Shear Purrfection Grooming
11:30 a.m. — Christmas music with Yelm Community Choir
Noon — Yelm High School Jazzline performance
12:30 p.m. — Standing Room Only Theater one act from Miracle on 34th Street radio show
Yelm’s Parks and Recreation Department will also partner with YARD at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15, at Yelm City Park for the “Cocoa Trail Fun Run.” Throughout the 1-mile run at the park, after each lap completed, participants will receive ingredients in order to make a cup of cocoa. Tickets for that event can be purchased online through the City of Yelm Parks and Recreation’s Facebook event page.
“The Cocoa Trail Fun Run is a city event, partnering with YARD,” Roy said. “We love partnering with YARD. They’re excellent to work with, especially in events like this that takes more manpower because our team is so small. It fits perfectly into their wheelhouse, as well. It’s a perfect partnership.”
Roy and the Parks and Recreation Department will also host the annual Winter Solstice Walk from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18, at Cochrane Memorial Park, 750 Mill Road SE.
“I have a soft spot in my heart for the Winter Solstice Walk. The first time we did that event was my first year here with the city, and it’s such a calm and beautiful event right before Christmas,” Roy said. “It’s a really great way to bookend your holiday season. It gives you a chance to slow down and reflect on your year. It’s such a pretty environment.
“For me, I am a Christmas girly through and through. To get to share my love of the holiday season with the entire community is such a gift to me,” Roy added. “I’m always trying to make it bigger, better and more joyful to up the Christmas spirit tenfold every year. To plan and share these events is so lovely and so much fun.”
