Christmastown 2020
(Above) volunteers hang garland in preparation for a 12 day outdoor COVID sensitive holiday event for families in Shelton, WA.
It was a different Christmas for everyone during COVID restrictions. In Shelton, Kristmas Town Kiwanis volunteers were forced to make the difficult decision to cancel their annual Holiday Magic celebration.
In an effort to provide some joy for local children and their families, Kristmas Town Kiwanis partnered with Northwest Event Organizers to create multi-day holiday inspired events in Shelton during December 2020.
Working within WA State mandated guidelines, volunteers created virtual events coinciding with the on-site activities in Shelton. Highlights included a Guinness Tribute Christmas tree maze; marshmallow roasting fire pits; vendors; dinner wagon rides; gingerbread contest; and crafting opportunities.
This project also included enhanced holiday decoration including the installation of the Beauchamp Santa with a solar light, and live garland and cafe lights across the street.
In an attempt to engage families in COVID-sensitive social activities, craft projects were hosted online as well as live. Crafts were individually packaged to reduce touch points. Participants were able to register for free, pick up their craft kits, and join in on the activities online as families. In all over 4800 kits were distributed thanks to donations from civic groups and local businesses who were pleased to lend a hand offering holiday cheer.
Over 5000 people attended the Christmastown event in 2020 over a twelve day window with an additional quantity of families attending the tree maze (lights were on a timer every night) when the volunteer events were not hosted.
Christmastown 2020 represented the efforts of an amazing resilient and connected community. Kristmas Town Kiwanis, businesses, civic groups and community volunteers bravely partnered to create an innovative, safe, and fun holiday experience in a climate that offered uncharted challenges. The online crafting sessions were successful thanks to dedicated instructors and to the collaboration of the local community and businesses.
Organizers would like to thank the City of Shelton for continued support of these community efforts and extend gratitude to the Mell family for the generous use of their property. As well, we thank the countless businesses, groups and individuals who donated time and resources to the success of this community event. In 2020, Christmas was not canceled in Shelton.