Santa makes an appearance at Christmas Kickoff

DAYTON–Winter was in the air, but the chill of late November had the edge taken off by the charm and warmth of the 2022 Christmas Kickoff, presented by Dayton's Chamber of Commerce, last Friday and Saturday.

"Once again, in large part due to the community itself, businesses and sponsors, Christmas Kickoff was a huge success," commented Belinda Larsen, Executive Director of the Dayton Chamber of Commerce, "reminding all of us to continue to believe in the spirit and magic of Christmas and in the City of Dayton."

From the "ready, set, go!" of the Backroads Club's Ugly Sweater 5K run/walk, the cheerful greetings of friends and strangers on the street, down to the boom and sparkle of the fireworks, the Kickoff was well received.

"Santa put smiles on all the faces of the young and the old," Larsen said. "We had visitors from Spokane, Tri-Cities, Walla Walla and surrounding areas."

Larsen was pleased with Mother Nature's cooperation. "For the majority of the weekend, the weather held out until the fireworks were wrapping up and it was time to roast some marshmallows," she said. "That's when the wind picked up and the rain showed up. We were able to move the music to Locally Nourished and again, was very much enjoyed!"

A new twist this year was the "After Party," with live music, hotdogs and toasted marshmallows set to be enjoyed outside in the cordoned off North 2nd Street, but the weather intervened, shooing participants indoors.

"We had a couple of added items to view such as the window Nativity scenes and we moved the Christmas Craft Bazaar to the school, and Festival of Trees was at the Wenaha Gallery," Larsen said. "All of those were very well received.

"Everyone came together to make this event not just happen, but to make it beautiful," she said.