Every year since 1982 (with a brief pandemic pause), Burien’s Economy Wiring (an Advertiser) has hosted a good ol’ fashioned Christmas Tree Lighting event, and owners Jay and Gail Smith are pleased to announce a return of this time honored tradition on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024.
“Please come to the Tree Lighting Ceremony on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 at 6 p.m. at Economy Wiring Co, Inc.; 633 SW 148th Street; Burien, WA” (map below), an announcement reads.
In a slice of small-town America charm, Carols are always on the list to prep the crowd in anticipation of Santa Claus himself, clutching a bag full of candy canes to share and hitching a ride with the Burien/Normandy Park Fire Department aboard their fire truck.
After greeting the crowd and a few photo ops, Santa typically leads the group in a countdown to the official lighting of the fir tree just a few feet east of the Economy Wiring building. Indoors, Cookies and hot chocolate are served after the tree lighting in the store, cozily warmed by the fire inserts on display.
The event typically includes an opportunity to share your abundance with those in need. Please bring an unwrapped toy or nonperishable food item for the Local Community Outreach.
This celebration has illuminated the Burien skyline for a long time now. Economy Wiring Company Founder Gwin Smith started the tradition in 1966. Over the years, his small celebration has grown to include to include more of the community, as well King County Station #2 Burien/Normandy Park Fire Department.
In the first eight years of the tree lighting, Gwin climbed the huge fir tree himself to install the lights and then climbed back up in January to take them down. This changed some years ago, when the fire department took responsibility for installing and removing the lights.
Come join your neighbors in this decades long tradition celebrating a festive start to the holidays.
