Firefighters assist a local child trying the stair climbing machine during Wrangell's 2015 Midnight Madness. With boots outstretched and refreshments at the ready, the crew raised money to attend the Scott Firefighter Stair Climb in Seattle. Collecting aid for researching and treating various blood cancers, the event draws firefighters from around the world to climb the city's Columbia Center for charity.
Thanksgiving leftovers about behind it now, Wrangell will be kicking off for the rest of the season's holidays tomorrow evening.
The Chamber of Commerce will be holding its annual Midnight Madness on Front Street, with the big tree lighting to start at 6 p.m. Wrangell Municipal Light and Power continued its tradition of bringing in the biggest tree it can find for Friday's lighting, provided this year by Donna Wellons. As with other years, decorations for the tree will have been hand-crafted by students at Evergreen Elementary School.
"We're really excited about that," explained Chamber president Christie Jamieson. The Chamber board met yesterday to finalize plans for the event, which will feature food, entertainment, and opportunities to pick out presents.
"It's a night to do your Christmas shopping," said Jamieson.
At noon the first of two bazaars will open up inside the Stikine Inn, with the other being held upstairs inside the Elks Club. At both, local crafters and vendors will ply homemade wares, art and other objects. Stores around town will also be keeping later hours for the evening, with various sales and specials being offered.
The arch gift-giver himself, Santa Claus, will be taking time from his busy schedule to meet with children after the tree-lighting, taking down last-minute gift ideas. For the first time, this year Saint Nick will be accompanied by Mrs. Claus, and the couple will be centered under the pavilion at the corner of Lynch and Front.
That section of street will be blocked off for pedestrians, with burn barrels and carolers completing the mood. Friday's weather may be calling for a cold rain that evening, so the fires and dry pavilion may come in handy.
"We just hope that the weather cooperates," said Jamieson. "Whether it rains or sleets or snows, we're still going to be out there, bundled up."
There will be things to warm folk up from the inside as well, with the Fire Department holding its annual Scott Firefighter Stairclimb fundraiser at the pavilion, dispensing popcorn, hot chocolate, and fried cheesy halibut balls. Before the lighting at 5:30 p.m., the high school's 2017 senior class will be dishing out hot crab salad and lumpia for its own annual fundraiser. Look for other food options out on Front Street as well, Jamieson said. "There'll be food galore."
There will be plenty of music as well, with half a dozen acts slated to play at the Stikine bazaar and downtown pavilion.
"Music all over the place," Jamieson commented.
Festivities will continue through 8 or 9 p.m., depending on turnout and the weather. The annual event is made possible through contributions by the Chamber's February dinners, and with donations from individual community members.
Next week, local schools will also be getting into the season ahead of their winter break. The high and middle schools' Christmas concert and art auction is scheduled for December 5, with the auction to begin at 6:30 p.m. and the concert to follow at 7 p.m. Proceeds from the event go toward new equipment and materials for the schools' art program. Money raised from the past three years helped acquire a new kiln, which enabled a whole range of new projects for students.
The next evening at 7 p.m., students at the elementary school will be putting on their own annual concert.
In case more shopping is needed, area merchants will be participating in the Jolly Shopping sales event on December 9 and 10. A variety of specials will be on offer during the "buy local" drive, and shoppers can be included in a $500 drawing to be held by the Chamber on December 12.
"It's just a real nice way to kick off the Christmas season," said Jamieson.
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