
Children line a snowbank above Main Street Loop in Kenai to watch the fireworks finale of the Christmas Comes to Kenai event Friday evening. The spectacle followed a bonfire, electric light parade and the arrival of Santa Claus. For more images from Friday's festivities, see Page C-1.
Story last updated at 11/30/2008 - 1:35 pm
'Twas the month before Christmas
The weather was cold on Friday night, still hundreds gathered to see the sight.
Along Frontage Road in Kenai they lined the street, to catch a glimpse of Santa and grab a bite to eat.
Reindeer sausages were hot off the grill, but you had to wait in line to get your fill.
Kenai Central's drum line led the parade, of the 15 entrants that were displayed.
"Cinema Christmas" was the theme this year, each float depicted a holiday movie the constructors held dear.
"Here comes Santa," the kids yelled and shouted, as dear old St. Nick passed by on the truck he was mounted.
The wind was so fierce you could fly a kite, but all braved the weather and bundled up tight.
Parents and children wrapped in blankets, sipping hot cocoa, people in the Lower 48 would think we were loco.
But Alaskans are tough, cold weather's no big deal, besides leftover turkey is waiting for a nice, hot meal.
Still many viewed the parade from inside their cars, keeping warmer than those enjoying the festivities under the stars.
Many parade-goers brought their dogs along, one float in the parade even had carolers singing songs.
Decked out in lights, Christmas trees and banners, too, the parade took just 10 or 15 minutes, man it flew.
The floats looked great, a lot of time and energy spent, each entrant took pride, very important to them the parade it meant.
In front of Paradisos was the largest crowd mix, several fathers with cameras all snapping pics.
Earlier in the day about 200 or so, went to the Kenai Visitors Center to see Santa Claus, "ho, ho, ho."
Kids sat on his lap and brought their Christmas wish lists, about the extravagant ones he said, "We'll see about this."
Child after child, request after request, St. Nick with a smile for each one, as always, he was at his best.
At the end of day, after hundreds sat on his knee, many children left their lists under his tree.
No need to worry kids, Santa won't forget a single soul, just make sure to behave, or instead of presents, you'll be opening coal.
Holiday movies played and cookies were available for people to help themselves, a local girl scout troop even assisted Santa as his elves.
Country Foods IGA, Charlottes, the Visitors Center and Funky Monkey all donated the snacks, "We had a great turnout," said Tina Baldridge, as families came to see St. Nick all day in packs.
She's the executive director for the chamber of commerce in Kenai, and in charge of the whole event, what a job, oh my.
The chamber was responsible for setting up the event, "It went really well," Baldridge said, as many volunteers their time they lent.
At the conclusion of the parade many crowded around the bonfire to warm their cold bones, all were in good spirits, no cries, no moans.
The fire was raging, no one wanted it to stop, a man made sure of that as he threw another wooden pallet on top.
Kenai's band continued to play in the Visitors Center's parking lot, the increased wind, deter them it did not.
A group of kids climbed atop a mountain of snow, they started a snowball fight, look out below.
Back and forth the snowballs flew, better watch out, one might hit you.
The battle continued, showing no signs of slowing, the kids would have stayed out all night, if they're parents weren't going.
Back inside the Visitor's Center, the human population was dense, many crammed in to get warm and waited for the fireworks to commence.
Though Alaska can't have them in July, the November show was magnificent, as everyone gazed up at the sky.
The brilliant colors and designs consumed the dark night, for about 20 minutes the blackness was light.
And so concluded the annual Christmas Comes to Kenai parade, another great night, another memory made.






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