The following is written by Sumner Mayor Dave Enslow:

Even having attended the Bridge Lighting for years, I was amazed at the size of the crowd this year.

Thanks to a beautiful evening and word of mouth, Bridge Lighting attracted record attendance. It used to be a quiet event where a few of us wandered down to The Old Cannery, flipped the switch, oohed and aahed, and carted Santa off in a horse-drawn carriage.

As years went by, fireworks were added (promptly ending the horse-drawn carriage), other businesses got involved and popularity grew.  In some ways, it’s reminder that things change, and we have to keep growing and changing with them.

As with this event, change can mean a good thing.  Large crowds mean more people eating in our restaurants and shopping in our stores.  It means more people buying furniture or checking out cars at Sunset Chevrolet.  All of this means we need to change and grow with it.

In this case, we have to adjust our plans to accommodate more people, providing crowd control on the bridge, and helping people get home.  From a broader perspective as a City, change means accommodating job growth, providing infrastructure, considering housing needs, and then figuring out how to pay for it all.  And just like events, it’s important for us to prepare for what may be right around the corner.

Another big event which I have seen grow over the years comes up this Saturday with Santa Parade.  A big thank you to Terry Flippin from Artistic Solutions for once again helping to coordinate the units and get them rolling out of the High School.

After the Parade, the Historical Society will continue their tradition of lighting the holly tree at Ryan House and Colossal Soul brings back a new tradition called Sumner Sings outside Craft.19.  Why do all this?  Just watch the faces of kids and adults when Santa comes down the parade, or when neighbors and strangers all sing carols together.

The delight and warmth will tell you that no matter what the size, these are the things that make the holidays in Sumner special.  And while you may not see it, there are lots of people, whether volunteers or City staff, planning and working hard behind the scenes to help make it all happen.

I hope you are able to join us and take part in the wonderful, and growing, things that make this community great.  See you on Saturday!