The holiday season kicks off this weekend in Renton, starting with the annual Ivar’s Clam Lights display in Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park Friday.
The event begins at 5 p.m. at the park, 1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N.
The entire park is lit up in festive scenes and lights and draws thousands of people. The free entertainment includes tractor-pulled wagon hay rides, an appearance by Santa, entertainment by Lindbergh High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble and Blue Dog Dance and Performing Arts, bonfire and community sing-a-long at the North Picnic Shelter, Rainier Yacht Club’s “Parade of Boats,” and a visit by the Argosy Christmas Ship featuring Master Chorus Eastside.
Ivar’s Clam Lights is free of charge and there is free parking at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park. Ivar’s Clam Lights runs nightly from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., through Jan. 1.
Renton Mayor Denis Law will open the event with a welcome at 7 p.m., before throwing the switch and lighting the Clam Lights.
The schedule of events is as follows:
6:15 – 7:30 p.m. — Lindbergh High School Vocal Jazz Ensemble
6:30 – 8:30 p.m. — Tractor-pulled wagon hay rides by Reber Ranch
6:40 p.m. — Dance by Blue Dog Dance and Performing Arts
7 p.m. — Welcome and lighting by Mayor Denis Law and event sponsors Ivar’s and PSE
7:15 – 8 p.m. — Bonfire, entertainment, and community sing-a-long, North Picnic Shelter
7:30 p.m. — Rainier Yacht Club’s “Parade of Boats”
8 – 8:20 p.m. — Argosy Christmas Ship with Master Chorus Eastside
Also this weekend is the annual downtown tree lighting and arrival of Santa to the Piazza.
First up from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., on Saturday, there will be caroling, roasted chestnuts and warm cider on the corner of Wells Avenue South and South Third Street, as residents shop local businesses. Then at 5 p.m., Mayor Law will flip the switch yet again on the downtown holiday tree lighting. Santa’s House will be open for free pictures with Santa Claus until 7 p.m.
For more information, check the City of Renton’s calendar page at www.rentonwa.gov.
