Insider Tips on How to Enjoy the Sumner Bridge Lighting

Some cities have tree lightings and some light up skyscrapers with holiday colors.  For the past 13 years, the tradition in Sumner is to light the White River Bridge. 

The festivities start at noon the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 26, at the . There will be free pictures with Santa, a caroling sing-a-long, horse-drawn carriage rides, a DJ playing holiday music and much more all surrounded by 21 local vendors (including Patch!) in the Holiday Merchant Village. 

At 4 p.m., Santa will move outside and Sumner Mayor Dave Enslow will start the countdown. The 30,000 bridge lights come on at 5 p.m. and are immediately followed by a fireworks display sponsored by Heritage Bank. The festivities wrap up with free refreshments including cocoa, hot cider, roasted nuts, butter cookies and coffee, courtesy of the Old Cannery Furniture Warehouse. 

Jackie Schaffer, the event planner for the Old Cannery, had a few tips to help your family get the best experience: 

• Arrive early, the bridge won't close to traffic until 4:40 p.m. but with an expected crowd of 5,ooo, things will fill up quickly.  
• Park on the Main Street Side of the Bridge. The spots on Valley Avenue are expected to fill up fast. The Sumner Library, Sounder Station and McClendon's are all parking lots close enough to walk from. The Old Cannery parking lot will be open; however it will be the most difficult place to leave once the event ends. 
• Meet Santa and get your pictures early this season.  The wait can be as long as four hours during the last weekend before Christmas.   

This event is a great opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit with your family, and the best part ... it's free! Come meet the editor and contributors of Patch in the Merchant Village and let us know what holiday events you think we should cover.