City holiday events are ‘magical,’ resident says

At first, you could spot the flashlights of people making their way through the darkness to where the massive illumination would soon begin.

On the evening of Dec. 17, the city of Mercer Island welcomed people of all ages to gather along and above the beach area of Luther Burbank Park to witness the Argosy Christmas Ship’s appearance to culminate the city’s host of holiday events.

When the three-deck, immensely-lit boat cruised into view along with a handful of smaller vessels sporting colorful lights, the crowd of about 100 attendees was buzzing with excitement. Soon, the Holy Names Vocal Ensemble burst into song from aboard the ship, performing a 20-minute set of Christmas carols that had people swaying and singing along.

Following the event, Shelly Smith of Mercer Island noted with a smile: “We come to this pretty much every year. So fun and the sound was fantastic this year, the songs were terrific and it was wonderful. I would say everyone should come.”

Smith’s granddaughter, Ce Ce, added that it was “so cool” when the ship arrived. “Jingle Bells” was her favorite carol of the night.

Other city Illuminate MI events this month included a Tree Lighting and Firehouse Munch, a Holiday Makers Market, a Chabad Menorah Lighting, a Girl Scouts Toy Drive and a Family Holiday Movie Night.

While standing near the city’s tent at the Argosy Cruises event — which is part of its festival that benefits The Seattle Times Fund for Those in Need — Olivia Ryan, city recreation specialist, noted about the plethora of successful and family-friendly city holiday events: “It’s great to bring some holiday cheer to the city. Everyone is welcome. If you don’t have family close by, then you can come out and share some moments with your community. I hope that everybody participated and they got to experience maybe even a new thing that they’ve never done before.”

As attendees munched on cookies and sipped hot apple cider, Ryan said she enjoyed working with Katie Herzog, city recreation program supervisor, to brighten the Island this month.

These holiday events are especially meaningful for Julia Sommerfield, a senior at Mercer Island High School (MIHS). Many of her younger memories involve attending these gatherings, she said, adding that the events are still impactful in her teenage years.

“The’ve always been really fun and really magical, I think,” Sommerfield said. “Growing up here, it’s just a lot of fun especially because we’re a smaller community. You’ll see your friends at them. And then with the Christmas tree lighting, it’s always so magical to go with your friends and then they always have fun treats and fun things to do.”

Sommerfield was thrilled to experience the Argosy Christmas Ship and had been tracking it online so she wouldn’t miss it.

MIHS sophomore Joseph Sommerfield, Julia’s brother, added: “The festive times are just a time to be happy, a time to have fun, talk to friends, meet new people.”

For the third year, an abundance of Mercer Island Girl Scouts collected new, unwrapped toys and gifts for babies through teens for Toys for Tots – King County on Dec. 1 at the Firehouse Munch and Dec. 9 at Mercerdale Park. They filled four vehicles to the brim with the presents.

“Participating in the Toys for Tots event is important because giving all kids an equal opportunity to open gifts and receive something new is a big part of the values of giving and compassion, which are integral to core ideas of the holiday season,” said sophomore Amelia.

Added eighth-grader Kite: “The MI Girl Scouts collection for Toy for Tots is important because it creates an opportunity for our community to come together while supporting and helping others.”