PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID WELTON
Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
December 10, 2014
Holiday celebrations were everywhere this last Saturday, Dec. 6 across south Whidbey Island.
The ELF CHASE 5K Fun Run and Walk took off at South Whidbey Community Park at 10 a.m. with costumed elves and beneficent strangely dressed adults running amok among the trees. Prizes were awarded for best costumes as well as to the top three runners. The Fundraiser benefits the Langley Middle School Parent-Teacher-Student Association, allowing them to provide for school improvement and grant programs for staff.
Later that morning, the city of Langley celebrated with its 5th Annual Holiday Parade, complete with a float contest. The parade ran for approximately 45 minutes and went from 6th Street and Cascade Avenue, wound its way down First Street, along Anthes Avenue and then back up Second Street, to the delight of an animated crowd of onlookers and participants.
ELF CHASE 5K Fun Run and Walk
Image at top: In the Elf Run, Cross Country teammates dressed as elves—with ribbons tied around their waists—hide out in the forest, trying to stay away from runners who will attempt to capture the ribbons.
When a young runner passes by they leap into action. There are special prizes for those who seize a ribbon!
The elves pay no attention to adults, even when the dress for the part. However, prizes are awarded for individual and group costumes as well as top finishers.
Langley’s 5th Annual Holiday Parade
Sarah Boins from “Wander on Whidbey” carries the flag for Langley CC at the head of the parade.
The parade entry for WICA featured scenes from “A Christmas Story,” including a skinny Higbee’s Department store Santa, the slide that sends children to the first floor and the hat from Ralphie’s pink Easter Bunny pajamas from Aunt Clara.
Whidbey Wranglers 4-H, horsing around on First Street.
Mrs. Claus, aka Miss Matilda, aka Matt Hoar, wearing her tall boots, crosses the street in front of the Whidbey Girl Scout contingent.
And what’s a Holiday parade without Santa—this one with a police escort!
Pipers piping down First Street
Whidbey Girl Scouts (looking a lot like elves!) toss candy from the North Pole Express in front of the Dog House.
Who knew that cowgirls can also do Celtic dancing?
Washington Scottish Pipe Band
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