Community gathers for annual Wasco tree lighting

More than a hundred Sherman County residents and visitors gathered Sunday evening in Wasco to witness the fourth-annual lighting of the giant evergreen tree at Wasco Depot Park.

The Christmas in Wasco celebration kicked off with Santa's arrival on a North Sherman firetruck, followed by a greeting from Wasco Mayor Beth McCurdy and round of thanks from event organizer Mika Von Ahn.

Michelle and Travis Lawrence of Wasco Market provided cookies, hot cocoa and cider at the gazebo, giving kids and adults alike the chance to warm up before the tree lighting. The City of Wasco provided a number of large propane heaters for warmth. Residents gathered around to count down the lighting of the big tree, led by Santa Claus himself.

The annual holiday event, now in its fourth year, was funded in part by a grant from the Sherman County Cultural Coalition and sponsored by the Wasco Market and the City of Wasco, with assistance from North Sherman Rural Fire Protection District.

North Sherman Firefighter Robert Anglin has been working hard the past year to get permanent lighting installed on the historic Train Depot, which can be controlled remotely and changed with each season. He also worked alongside city maintenance worker Tyler Henricksen last month to add more lights to the top of the tree, which grows a few feet taller every year.

Anglin said he's thrilled to see how far the Christmas in Wasco event has come over the past few years.

"It's really Mika's show now, I just put up lights," Anglin said with a laugh.

Von Ahn said she wanted to give a huge shout-out to Tonya Washburn Photography for taking the photos of children with Santa, and having them edited and up on the website and available for free download that same night. She was also sure to thank Anglin and North Sherman Fire, the Lawrences, Tonya Baunach, Henricksen and City of Wasco staff and, of course, Santa.

"We couldn't have pulled this off as well as we did without them - it takes a team, and I'm thankful for the team I have."

Von Ahn said the town also is organizing another holiday decorating contest for Wasco households and businesses, taking place from Dec. 2 to Dec. 22. Judging will happen Dec. 22 through 24. Winners will be announced on the Christmas in Wasco Facebook page.

"I am beyond thankful for our community and the turnout we had for this year's Christmas tree lighting ceremony," Von Ahn said. "Seeing all the kids enjoying the evening, the sparkle in their eyes, and the adults being so thankful for the event, truly filled my heart with love and makes me want to try to make the event even bigger and better next year."