Friday, December 6, 2013
kitsapweek
page 3
Seasonal spirit brightens Kitsap “Each boat is different and is lit up on the (starboard) side of the boat,” she said. Poulsbo’s yacht club will lead two parades this season. On Dec. 13, a
fleet of illuminated boats will journey — heading north — in front of the Poulsbo waterfront before touring along the western shore of Liberty Bay, down to Keyport.
On Dec. 14, club boats will leave Liberty Bay for another parade starting at 6 p.m. at Manzanita Bay in Bainbridge Island. The parade will move north See Lights, Page 5
Seasons to Remember 15th Annual
Judie Elfendahl walks through the array of lights at the Port of Kingston. Jerry Elfendahl / Contributed By RICHARD D. OXLEY Kitsap Week
I
t’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Just take a look around Kitsap. From Port Orchard to Port Gamble, homes, buildings and boats are lighting up with festive cheer. Lit up more than the decorations are perhaps the faces that gaze upon them. “It’s to get people in the Christmas spirit,” said Ron Comin, who produces an impressive array of lights at his home on Big Valley Road in Poulsbo. “A lot of people over the years have come in, not feeling in the mood, and once they get back there it makes everybody happy,” he said. “It gets them in the spirit. By the time everybody leaves, they are feeling like it’s Christmas.”
Comin began a love affair with Christmas lights when he was 9, watching his father put lights up. “I think it’s just that when you are young and doing things with your dad and he’s showing you how to do things, it sets a tone for the future,” Comin said. “So I do this in his memory as a part of it.” Eight years ago, Comin began decorating a trail around his home and garden for the holidays. That display grew larger over the years to come. Today, his display boasts approximately 65,000 lights that wind through a North Pole (complete with elves),
Cover Story
candy cane lane, a nativity scene, and much more. “Five years ago, we opened it up to the public and a couple years ago we started accepting donations,” Comin said. “Our electric bill was getting to be more and more and more, so we started charging.” Comin now charges $6 to walk through the display. Children younger than 6 are free. Comin isn’t alone in his fervor for festive flair. The Poulsbo Yacht Club is one organization of boating enthusiasts that tour their lighted boats through the area’s waterways. “The boats from the yacht club are decorated in Christmas lights,” said Patty Henderson of the Poulsbo Yacht Club.
On the Cover Ron Comin’s holiday light display on Big Valley Road in Poulsbo has become a seasonal destination.
Kitsap Foot & Ankle Clinic Dr. David Gent, DPM
Dr. Kirsten Grau, DPM
Put your feet in our hands
Dr. Andrew Hune, DPM
Diabetic Complications
Infections and ulcers (sores) that don’t heal. An ulcer is a sore in the skin that may go all the way to the bone. Because of poor circulation and neuropathy in the feet, cuts or blisters can easily turn into ulcers that become infected and won’t heal. This is a common – and serious – complication of diabetes. Call today if you view or feel discomfort. New patients welcome. Same day appointments available. Most insurances accepted. Copyright © 2013 | American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS), All Rights Reserved.
900 Sheridan Road, Suite 101, Bremerton
360.377.2233
1950 Pottery Ave., Ste 120, Port Orchard Cedar Heights Professional Center
Mon - Fri: 8am to 5pm
Saturday, December 7, 2013 11:00 am - 8:00 pm Featuring the 3rd Annual 5K Jingle Bell Run/Walk
City Hall & Downtown Port Orchard
Celebrate the season! Please join us for FREE, family-fun events: • Elf Movie • SK High School Marching Band • Pooch & Purr on Parade Costume Contest • Christmas Lane Decorated Boat Contest • Choirs and Community Sing-Along • Jingle Bell Boutique – Gift Fair
• Holiday Tree Lighting and Clock Tower Chimes • Arrival of Santa & Mrs. Claus • Mary Shaver’s Marionettes performing The Shoemaker and the Elves • Free Hayrides, Crafts, and Refreshments
Presented by the City of Port Orchard and these generous sponsors: Kitsap Bank, our presenting sponsor. Arthritis Foundation - Pacific Northwest Chapter, Brad Page - Caseco, Del’s Feed & Farm Supply, Dennis & Michele Simpson - Santa & Mrs. Claus, Dragonfly Cinema, Fathoms O’ Fun, Jones Tree Farm, Olympic Peninsula Antique Tractor Club, Port of Bremerton - Port Orchard Marina, Port Orchard Bay Street Association, Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce, Port Orchard Library, Saints Car Club, Sinclair Inlet Yacht Club, Wave Broadband & Port Orchard Independent