PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARTHA McCARTNEY
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
December 10, 2014
Just after Thanksgiving small changes begin to take place in Coupeville. Wooden snowmen, painted with festive Island themes representing local civic groups and businesses, mixed in with common everyday snowpeople, start to appear along the streets. The Historic Downtown area is gradually adorned with greenery and lights in preparation for the kick-off of the season—The Greening of Coupeville. Coupeville does the holiday season “small-town.” But it does it Small-Town Done Up Right—and, oh, so Whidbey…
The Coupeville Schools are ready to cheer in the season.
The local food bank demonstrates its version of a “Shriner’s formation” and has as much fun as the crowd.
Local equestrians get into the spirit with several beautiful parade entries.
Penn Cove Shellfish Mussel Farm always creates an entry that’s a favorite.
Next, everyone gathers at Cook’s Corner Park for the Lighting of the Trees and Carol Singing.
Boats sail from Oak Harbor, festooned with lights; they circle Penn Cove and return on a path of moonlight.
During the evenings leading up to Christmas, Santa makes appearances all through the Coupeville area, hosted by the local fire company. The trucks sound their horns and sirens and play music while one elf delivers treats to folks who stand on their front porches and take photos.
Martha McCartney, an east coast transplant, is always amazed at the wonders of the Pacific Northwest and, particularly, life on Whidbey Island.
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We love our Coupeville Christmas Greening! The shops all open, many with amazing munchies, and the boat parade was exceptional this year. Warmer than usual weather made the evening so magical. As a carol leader (along with the amazing Olsen brothers and others), this evening in Coupeville has become a longtime tradition for us. No other event quite compares. No wonder Santa hangs out in Coupeville so much!