Photos by Kelsey Par
Local school kids from St. Francis sang carols, Santa arrived on a bright red fire truck, and Burien’s Christmas Tree was lit on Wednesday night, Dec. 7, at Economy Wiring Company (an Advertiser).
Kids from the St. Francis choir sang, then Santa arrived on a Burien/Normandy Park Fire Truck.
Guests also brought food donations and gifts for local needy children as part of the Community Outreach Program.
This tradition has illuminated the Burien skyline for a long time now, since Economy Wiring Founder Gwin Smith started it in 1966. Over the years his small celebration has grown to include the St. Francis Choir and the King County Station #2 Burien/Normandy Park Fire Department.
In the first eight years of the tree lighting, Gwin actually 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.
The very large, now-lit tree is visible at 633 SW 148th Street:
Economy Wiring Company
633 SW 148th Street
Burien, WA
www.economywiring.com
Phone: 206-244-7542
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Thanks to all who participated. I loved to see the St Francis choir, the fire truck, and Santa Claus and the bright lights on the tree. What a refreshing change from all the sad world news. It restores hope!