by Robin Swain
It’s official! The Christmas Season is here in Tillamook County! (EDITOR’S NOTE: Watch for additional photos from all the tree lightings, and holiday happenings. Have photos you’d like to share? Send to editor@tillamookcountypioneer.net.)
Keeping with a long standing tradition,The Rockaway Beach Tree Lighting Train steamed into town, bringing Santa and two of his Elves to start the Holiday Festivities in Tillamook County.
The Wayside already had a few hundred people waiting to greet Santa upon his arrival! The Train brought approximately another 250+ people. Patti Swain, President of the Rockaway Beach Business Association stated they served 675 cups of Cocoa.
The City of Rockaway Beach (CORB) and the Rockaway Beach Business Association (RBBA) decorated the Wayside in preparation of Santa’s arrival. The Rockaway Beach Chamber of Commerce lit up the Train Station and Caboose with festive cheer.
RBBA provided Hot Cocoa and cookies, Letters to Santa station. They also had a special Red Tent decorated up for Santa where kids could share their Christmas wishes and have family photos with Santa.
The Chamber of Commerce had their ornament painting set up in the Train station along with face painting.
Another tradition the community and guests enjoy is the Salty Strings (our local ukulele group), entertaining the crowd and leading the Christmas Carol’s.
The MC, Rick Cheek (rumor has it he will work for cherry pies), kept the crowd going, encouraging can food donations to the North County Food Bank and announcing the businesses that were staying open late with Black Friday specials.
RB Volunteers organized the schedule and recruited Volunteers for the event including students from Neah-Kah-Nie High School.
Here’s the Pioneer’s coverage of the tree lighting: https://www.tillamookcountypioneer.net/holiday-season-rolls-into-rockaway-beach-with-santas-train-arrival-annual-tree-lighting-friday-nov-29th/
If you missed Santa in The Wayside don’t fret! He will be arriving by firetruck to the Rockaway Beach Fire Station, December 14th. Click link for more details.
