Tree lighting marks start of holiday season in Sisters

Well over 100 people gathered late Friday afternoon, November 28, to sing carols and enjoy the camaraderie of the beginning of the Christmas Season in Sisters.

They came to Barclay Park to "ooh and ah" as a giant Christmas tree provided by the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce was lighted.

The tree is located in the heart of the city at the new Barclay Park at the southern end of Ash Street and its white lights are visible to all who drive though Sisters on Cascade Avenue.

Chuck Fadeley, president of the local chamber, thanked those who put the tree in place in the park plaza and decorated it, getting the tree ready for the bewitching moment when it was lighted in the dark but clear night.

The rains that came later in the evening held off just long enough for the carolers and listeners to stay dry through the hour-long event.

Lee Christensen and Paul Bertagna, of the City of Sisters staff, did the heavy work with the tree under the direction of Gary Frazee, city public works director. Jeri Buckmann, chamber special events coordinator, made all the arrangements.

Jack Walker and his wife, Linda, both said the first tree lighting at Barclay Park was sure to become an annual tradition.

"It is beautiful here," Walker said, "and this is the perfect location for a community tree."

Linda Walker said that it was also a good time to meet and greet many friends, "and wish them a Merry Christmas."

Among those the Walkers met there were Margery and Frank Guthrie, both enjoying the mild evening outing.

Chorus members from Sisters Community Choir and the mixed voice choir from Sisters Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration led the caroling.

Members of the combined choirs on hand were Si Simonsen, director of the church choir, Mel Miles, Bonnie Johnson, Joyce Brown, Gwen Philipsen, Gayla Nelson, Lindsay Simmons, Willa Harrelson and Marie Richardson.

Two of the men were in traditional carolers' top hats and the others were wearing scarves or carrying mufflers.

Without microphones and speakers, it was difficult for many of the onlookers, standing only a dozen or so yards away, to hear the lyrics and be able to sing along with the carolers.

Larry Harrelson, minister at Sisters Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, also had a hard time being heard as he delivered a 10-minute Christmas message. In the dark, he said, he also had difficulty reading his notes.

Harrelson ended his remarks with a community prayer asking that, "At this time of year we all reach out to one another with hope for goodness and life."