We couldn’t have had a nicer evening on Dec. 5.

It began with gathering for the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Warm apple cider was served by the many generous volunteers. So many people joined to celebrate the holiday.

Caroling by the Island Chordsmen began the evening with their beautiful caroling. And, then came the Friday Harbor Elementary School’s Eagle Spirit Choir, led by Traci Wilson.

We have never seen such a heart-warming, incredible performance put on by wonderful and talented young children. And, to boot, they loved what they were doing, and you could tell that the children had practiced hard and long, and it showed.

Thank you so much Ms. Wilson. We can tell the kids really love you. You brought the spirit not only into the children’s hearts, but also into all of our hearts. The tree lighting was the prettiest we have ever seen.

Afterwards, we went to the grand opening of the Islands Museum of Art. What an event. Incredible art. And, what an incredible piece of architecture—something Friday Harbor will be proud of for many years to come.

Then to end the evening, we had dinner at the Brickworks and enjoyed a four-course dinner with live music and an auction to raise money to provide solar systems to produce energy for our schools.

Thank you San Juan Island Conservation District and all your helpers for putting on this event. The food was incredible, thanks to Gretchen Allison and her staff, the bakery items were to die for, and the music was fantastic.

Thank you all. What a beautiful island we live on.

Bob & Toni Bailey/San Juan Island