Santa Claus, portrayed by Joe Borden, accompanied by sleigh driver Molly Dickson and pulled by Minion, arrives at Centennial Place to kick of the Christmas season in Sequim on Saturday. The arrival was preceded by a concert of holiday music performed by the Sequim City Band. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)

Santa Claus, portrayed by Joe Borden, accompanied by sleigh driver Molly Dickson and pulled by Minion, arrives at Centennial Place to kick of the Christmas season in Sequim on Saturday. The arrival was preceded by a concert of holiday music performed by the Sequim City Band. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)

Community trees ablaze in lights in Port Angeles, Sequim

Santa came to the towns of Sequim and Port Angeles on Saturday to hear children’s wishes, help with community tree-lightings and usher in holiday cheer.

The Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce hosted the Hometown Holidays festival from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Centennial Place in downtown Sequim.

The Port Angeles Downtown Association hosted the Hometown Holiday Celebration from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the foot of the Laurel Street stairs.

Tree lighting ceremonies were at about 4:45 p.m.

In Sequim, Santa was joined by Sequim Irrigation Festival royalty.

Holiday music was performed throughout the afternoon.

After the tree lighting, more than 20 tractors traveled down Washington Street in the annual holiday tractor procession.

In Port Angeles, Santa not only directed the lighting of the community tree but also donated the first dollar into a Salvation Army bucket to kick off the charity’s annual bell-ringing fundraiser.

The Port Angeles celebration also featured dancers from Studio 360 and singing by the Peninsula College jazz ensemble, guest soloists and the Hamilton Elementary School Winter Choir.

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