It was a holly, foggy – and freezing – evening when Santa Claus arrived in Hermiston on Thursday to light the community Christmas tree.
This year’s ceremony, like everything else this year, was scaled back due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Hermiston Parks and Recreation Department livestreamed the event. The option to watch it at home, along with the winter chill, kept the crowd to a minimum.
Those who did brave the cold, however, were treated to Christmas songs, warm shops to browse and a chance to get a bite to eat at the Pheasant’s heated outdoor dining tent.
At 6 p.m., Hermiston City Councilor David McCarthy showed up with Santa, also known as Hermiston City Councilor Doug Primmer. Santa asked the kids if they’ve been good and, having been satisfied with their answers, sat down to read a story before promising to come back in about three weeks with his bag of full of toys and treats.
