Christmas in Port Angeles was saved Saturday thanks to about a dozen “Little Dragons.”
The young students from White Crane Martial Arts defeated the Grinch during a skit performed at the tree-lighting ceremony, attended by more than 300 people, in downtown Port Angeles.
Earlier on Saturday, about 100 more greeted the arrival of Santa in Sequim.
But there didn’t appear to be an evil-doer like the Grinch in Port Angeles.
“I don’t think the Grinch will ever come back again,” said Port Angeles Downtown Association Executive Director Barb Frederick after the Port Angeles event.
“They effectively scared him off.”
Santa, portrayed by John Hubbard, agreed.
“It was impressive,” he said. “I think they scared him away.”
Robert Nicholls, master instructor of White Crane, escorted Santa Claus to the tree at the Conrad Dyar Memorial Fountain, along with his Little Dragons.
Nicholls said he thought it was a good opportunity to get the youngsters involved in the holiday event.
“This year, I wanted the kids to have a demonstration and save Santa Claus,” he said.
His son, Robert Nicholls Jr., played the Grinch.
The tree lighting ceremony, at the intersection of Laurel and First streets, included Christmas music sung by the Hamilton School Winter Choir and Amanda Bacon.
City Manager Kent Myers also read “SSRqTwas the Night Before Christmas” for the children in the audience.
Also on Saturday, about 100 people celebrated the arrival of Santa, portrayed by former Sequim Mayor Walt Schubert, at the Bank of America Park in Sequim at noon.
The Sequim City Band performed at 11 a.m. at the park at the corner of Sequim Avenue and Washington Street.
Some 50,000 holiday lights decorate the park. They were turned on the evening of Nov. 20.
Santa arrived by car instead of the originally planned horse-drawn carriage.
“We were going to have Wagoneers,” bring him in “but because of the icky, inclement weather we’ve had, I think he’s going to be chauffeured by car,” said Lynn Elliott, administrative assistant for the Sequim-Dungeness Chamber of Commerce, the day before the event.
Everyone at the Port Angeles event, mostly parents with their children, appeared to be embracing the holiday spirit, despite the chilly weather.
Smiles were plentiful as they waited for the large tree to be lit.
Kelly Mann brought her two young children to see Santa.
“It really kicks of the Christmas season,” she said of the event.
“They’re really excited to see Santa. That’s why we’re down here.”
Some included people from out of town, who stopped by while visiting relatives for Thanksgiving.
Kristin Cruz of Seattle said she enjoyed the small-town atmosphere.
“It’s harder in Seattle because there’s a lot more crowds,” she said.
Santa’s not done.
He will arrive by horse-drawn carraige at the Haller Fountain at the corner of Water and Taylor streets in Port Townsend at 4:30 p.m. Saturday for the community Christmas tree lighting ceremony at 4:45 p.m.
The following day, Santa will travel a sailboat to dock in front of the Nordland General Store on Marrowstone Island at noon.
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.
