Lighting festival Saturday in Cathlamet

Come downtown this Saturday for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, which is taking place in its usual spot in front of the Wahkiakum County Courthouse in Cathlamet.

Beginning at 4:30 p.m., Wahkiakum High School alum Laurie Miller will lead the crowd in Christmas Carols, and at 5 p.m., a fire engine will drop off Santa Claus, who will light the tree and then head over to the Hotel Cathlamet. He is looking forward to meeting youngsters of any age who want to tell him just how good they’ve been this year and what they hope to find under their own Christmas trees.

Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce will have goody bags for the kids, and the shops will stay open late for anyone who wants to get an early start on shopping for the holiday.

“We are excited to usher in the season,” Chamber Director Stacey Lane said.