PORT TOWNSEND ¬– The frail beauty of the Haller Fountain statue is about to be trumped by a big, green giant.
The Port Townsend community Christmas tree was taken to its annual location at the fountain at the corner of Washington and Taylor streets on Monday afternoon.
The 20-foot-tall grand fir will be decorated with hundreds of lights donated by Puget Sound Energy throughout the morning and afternoon hours today.
“The PSE donation of LED lights is to help demonstrate and encourage energy efficiency in holiday decorating,” said Mari Mullen, executive director of the Port Townsend Main Street Program.
“It will be lit top to bottom with lights.”
A star will be placed on top, but the tree won’t go live until this weekend.
“On Saturday the street will close in front and we will have big celebration,” Mullen said.
“Santa will be there withe music and sales on Taylor street and then we will light the tree.”
Taylor Street will be closed to traffic between Washington and Water streets at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday until the conclusion of the events.
The Wild Rose Chorale will sing by the tree starting at 1 p.m.
From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., horse and carriage rides are being offered through the downtown area.
At 4:30 p.m., Santa will ride in by horse and carriage and help light the tree as soon as it gets dark.Mr. Claus will be available to take gift requests from children between 5:30 and 7 p.m. on the second floor of the Kuhn Building at Water and Polk streets.
An interesting twist to Saturday’s events will be a substantial monetary giveaway after the tree is lit.
Participating businesses in Port Townsend are offering a chance to enter and win $1,000 in Main Street Town Dollars Gift Cards.
To sign up for the drawing, visit www.ptmainstreet.org and click on “Victorian Holidays” for a list of participating businesses.
You have to be there
Mullen said people have until noon on Saturday to enter the drawing.
However, there is a catch to win: If your name is drawn at the event, you must be present to claim it or another winner will be selected.
Also taking place this week with the Main Street Program is an “After Hours” event on Wednesday between 5:30 and 7 p.m. at The Public House, 1038 Water St.
“It’s an opportunity to come and chat with the merchants,” Mullen said.
“Also, to hear what Main Street is doing for you.”
Free snacks will be available for those who drop in during the event.
For those who are looking to get a Christmas tree for themselves this year and don’t want to pick one up at the store, tree permits are being sold for $5 through the Quilcene office of the U.S. Forest Service.
The only spot in the county to grab a permit is at the Hood Canal Ranger District office, 295142 Highway 101.
However, if you call the office at 360-765-2200, it can set up a mail-in payment so you can travel a little closer to home to grab a tree.
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Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com.
