A crowd of several hundred people gathered at the corner of 35th s.w. and s.w. Myrtle to take part in the annual Christmas Tree lighting celebration at Our Lady of Guadalupe church Friday, Dec. 10.

One of the founders of the church, attending "for over 50 years" was Agnes Lavalley who said, "I've been coming here for this the last couple of years and it's not too cold today but the last time I almost froze, and it's not raining so it's great. I'm getting too old for this but it's still fun. I'm a kid again. I've lived in West Seattle for sixty years, or maybe longer, I don't remember."

Mitch and Marry Forrey were the founders of the ceremony but Mitch passed away this past fall. Father Jack Walmesley, pastor of the church dedicated the event to them and asked those attending to instead of a moment of silence to think for a moment about something that brings them great joy.

Father Walmesley also announced that the Principal of Our Lady of Guadalupe School, Kristin Dixon, was just selected as "One of the top twelve principals in the country."

After a brief countdown the tree was lit and at first had a minor technical glitch in illuminating all the strings of lights.

Music sheets were handed out to the crowd who sang Christmas carols and were led in song by the Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish adult choir and singers from the Sealth choir.