Cloggers kept rock'n

MOSES LAKE - More than 150 people attended the Street Tree Lighting in downtown Moses Lake Saturday night.

Several businesses along Third Avenue remained open later than usual to cater to people attending the tree lighting ceremony.

Sue's Shadow Box owner Sue Torrence said she enjoys the event because it marks the beginning of many local holiday festivities and gives visitors a chance to stop by businesses during the extended store hours.

Several businesses remained open later on Saturday.

Entertainment at the event included three dance recitals by the Rock'n B Cloggers.

"It's just really fun for us," dancer Shelby Daniel, 10, of Othello, said about performing recitals. "It's fun for us to get up on stage."

She said the tree lighting ceremony marks the first performance of the Rock'n B Cloggers this season.

Dancer Stephannie Yonko, 10, Moses Lake, said it was fun performing at the event because the group had an energetic performance to share.

"The clog dancing was cool because the music went off but they kept going," said David Phillips, 9 of Moses Lake.

During the final dance performance, the music stopped and the group continued to tap to their own beat.

Phillips' sisters Bethany Phillips, 11, and Christiane Phillips, 12, both agreed the dance recital was their favorite part of the night.

During their recital the dance group performed to a song recognizing those serving in the U.S. military and the Phillips' sisters said it was nice they chose to dedicate a performance.

Once the live entertainment ended, the holiday lights decorating trees lining the downtown portion of West Third Avenue were turned on at 6 p.m.

Moses Lake Business Association Executive Director Marianne Bondi said the tree lighting signifies the holiday season and concludes the downtown business open house.

She said the event went well and attracted many more people than previous years. Seeing people come together at the event and watching the event come to fruition was the best part, she added.

The night concluded with a free showing of "A Christmas Story" at Sinkiuse Square.