Westside holiday express

WAIMEA — Waimea’s annual tree lighting ceremony on Tuesday is about more than lights. It’s about more than trees, too.

It’s about smiles and laughter and sharing special moments with family.

Penny Young puts it like this: “We happen to feel Waimea Town is historical, it is quaint, and it serves the population really well. So we can bring this happiness here. That’s basically what we want to do.”

Young is coordinator of the event that begins at 4:45 p.m. It will include the Waimea Polar Express offering free rides; the Waimea High School band playing Christmas music; and visitors like Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Goofy and Olaf the Snowman. The highlight comes at 6:30 with the “Lights On” countdown in Hofgaard Park led by Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. The entire park, said Young, glows.

“It’s just so awesome,” Young said.

A big crowd is expected for the festivities that kick off the season on the Westside.

“This is one of the biggest events going on,” Young said. “This begins our holiday season in Waimea. We don’t have to drive to Lihue. We have our own.”

Businesses are getting into the spirit of the season with a decorated tree contest.

Residents are being encouraged to decorate their homes, too.

“We want to bless the town and the people as well as the businesses,” Young added.

Young has been volunteer coordinator of the tree lighting ceremony for about five years. She believes it pulls everyone together.

“Its important to me because I love children,” she said.

“I feel this important because the community out on the Westside, they’re really close. This is just one other event that can bring them together,” Young said.

Waimea will have its Christmas parade on Dec. 19. Those planning to travel to it are encouraged to leave early so they can be sure to find parking and find a spot to watch the parade.