Soap Lake for Locals staff spent some time the past few weeks checking out the Christmas lights in residential areas. These three displays have become our favorites.
Soap Lake's hot summers seem worlds away, but this palm tree reminds locals of warmer times. (SLFL photo)
We know about the proposed Soap Lake Giant Lava Lamp. Is this the Soap Lake Giant Christmas Present? (SLFL photo)
Too cool for words... (SLFL photo)
Merry Christmas from the Shaws
This Christmas wonderland is right across Daisy St./SR 17 from the B & B Drive In. SLFL staff drove into the alley to capture these images.
(SLFL photo)
(SLFL photo)
Soap Lake Businesses at Night
Don's Restaurant (SLFL photo)
Shadowman Investigation Agency. The tree with white lights is in the window of the office. Other lights are reflections from across the street at the Inn at Soap Lake. (SLFL photo)
Mom's European Food & Deli (SLFL photo)
3-D Sports & Fishing, on Main across from the Notaras Lodge office. (SLFL photo)
Help Desk (SLFL photo)
Daisy Street Espresso (SLFL photo)
Westhaven Second Hand (SLFL photo)
Notaras Lodge (SLFL photo)
Clinic of Natural Medicine, Dr. Sigrid Penrod, Licensed Naturpathic Physician (SLFL photo)
Soap Lake Liquor (SLFL photo)
Desert Diner (SLFL photo)
Del-Red Pub (SLFL photo)
Lights from Healing Water Spa (left) and Sue's Main Street Cuts (lower right) -- SLFL photo
Sacred Road Tattoo (SLFL photo)
Inn at Soap Lake's Wonderland
Inn at Soap Lake entry (SLFL photo)
West side of stone building (SLFL photo)
Inn at Soap Lake grounds (SLFL photo)
One of the stucco cottages (SLFL photo)
Vern's Decorations - A Soap Lake Tradition
(Chuck Flint photo)
(Chuck Flint photo)
(Chuck Flint photo)
(Chuck Flint photo)
Winterfest - Celebrating Christmas around the World
The log gazebo decorated for the holidays. The words carved above the entry read "Sam Israel Panayiri Square, Maintained by the Soap Lake Businessmen's Club." (SLFL photo)
Reflecting some of Soap Lake's heritage, the facades represent Germany, Greece, Mexico, and Russia, with the totem honoring the first Americans. (SLFL photo)
Vivianne, Bridgett from Healing Water Spa, Jamie, and (sorry will get her name) take a hot cider break while assembling and decorating the Christmas trees. (SLFL photo)
John, Tony from Help Desk, Jesse from Healing Water Spa, and Rob erect the facade. (Chuck Flint photo)
Some prefer to take pictures of other people working. (Chuck Flint photo)
You can tell from the attire, hands stuffed in pockets, and red noses that the weather was frigid for the work party, in spite of the sunshine. (Chuck Flint photo)
After a few volunteers backed into the totem while carrying in the pieces of the facade, John improvised a warning flag from a piece of ribbon. (SLFL photo)
That caught Tony's attention. (Chuck Flint photo)
A Tree in the Middle of Town
This tree was donated by former Soap Lake mayor Bob Nacke. Last year he and Dolores planned to donate it, but somebody had already offered a tree. The Nackes had bought the tree many years ago as an anniversary gift for Dolores' parents, Ed and Bobbie Robinson. Ed Robinson also served as mayor of Soap Lake for many years. Robin Nacke Deines, daughter of Bob & Dolores, will be helping Soap Lake school children when they put their handmade decorations on the tree. Thank you to Bob Nacke for donating this beautiful tree and sharing this history with us to be included here. (Chuck Flint photo)
Donor Bob Nacke with Soap Lake's 2010 Christmas tree. Every year local students decorate the tree with their handmade decorations. (R. Deines photo)
Some of the young decorators with Mr. Nacke. (R. Deines photo)
Bob Nacke, long time local and former mayor of Soap Lake. (R. Deines photo)
Local children put ornaments on lower branches. (R. Deines photo)
Ornaments for the higher branches ride up in the bucket. (R. Deines photo)
Hanging each creation with care. (R. Deines photo)
Here's mine! (R. Deines photo)
Student musicians added to the festivities. (R. Deines photo)
McKay Healthcare & Rehab provided hot chocolate for the decorators. (R. Deines photo)
Looking west, as PUD boom raises tree. (Bridgett Oie/Healing Water Spa photo)
Looking east. Grant County PUD and City of Soap Lake crew and equipment worked together to maintain this Soap Lake tradition. (Tony Lidbetter/Help Desk photo)
The trailer is hidden beneath the tree's boughs. (Tony Lidbetter/Help Desk photo)
The tree is still decorated with snow from the storm. (Tony Lidbetter/Help Desk photo)
City and PUD crew. Note the size of the trunk. (Tony Lidbetter/Help Desk photo)
