Downtown Moses Lake fills with holiday spirit
Chrystal Doucette/Columbia Basin HeraldMoses Lake Museum and Art Center reported a healthy turnout to their annual holiday show.
MOSES LAKE - Downtown Moses Lake was packed Friday night as the community started the holiday season's shopping and watched free entertainment.
The Moses Lake Business Association hosted a holiday open house downtown. At the same time, the Moses Lake Museum and Art Center hosted its annual holiday show.
"I think it went very, very well," said Moses Lake Business Association Executive Director Sally Goodwin.
Moses Lake residents Boyd and Maralyn Lindholm said they try to attend the open house every year. Maralyn Lindholm said the open house offers Christmas festivity.
"Just getting out and enjoying the Christmas spirit, and supporting the town and everything," Boyd Lindholm gave as reasons to attend.
Carrie Welty and more than 40 members of a children's singing group entertained the crowd in Sinkiuse Square prior to a tree lighting that made downtown seem even more festive. The Moses Lake Christian Academy served hot chocolate.
Merchants kept their businesses open late for the event.
"The merchants were busy and personally, I think everything looks wonderful when it's all lit up," Goodwin said.
In addition to the singing group's performance, Shaunna Roylance and her two daughters performed, as did students from Turning Pointe Dance Studio.
The Moses Lake Museum and Art Center was enjoying a healthy turnout of customers, who could nibble on food, check out the museum's newest offerings and bid on items in a silent auction.
"It looks bigger than last year," Art Curator Ann Golden said. "We've only been open a half hour and we're packed."
Golden said she saw lots of new faces in attendance.
Moses Lake resident Stephanie Logan brought two friends to the museum's holiday show.
"I love the museum and I try to come in regularly," Logan said.
Logan said she enjoys the feel of downtown, with the decorations, and would like to see more upscale stores come in.
Moses Lake resident Pam Engelmann attended the open house with her husband, who is a real estate broker for ReMax. Engelmann said ReMax employees helped with the trees.
"I thought it did well," Engelmann said. "The kids up on the stage were just adorable."