ENUMCLAW, Wash — On a rainy Saturday night in Enumclaw, even the meanest person in town is getting excited. Almost.
"Don't forget about the tree lighting!" yells the Mean One, in front of Roaring Underground, a speakeasy on Cole Street. Dressed like The Grinch, but due to copyright laws definitely not The Grinch, the Mean One is full of complaints.
"This is all about building a community together," she said. "To bring joy to all the people. Even though it's miserable."
So miserable, Saturday nights here have become a holiday tradition beginning with the lighting of a huge tree followed by the most predictable snow storms of the season.
Almost everybody is having a good time. Kids are trying to catch snow flakes. Some are running through the snow. Others are scooping up snow. Who could possibly hate this?
"I get all wet because of the snow," complained the Mean One. "It's like soap and I hate taking showers and it makes everybody happy!!"
Including the jolliest guy in town. Kris Kringle himself has joined the party.
"Santa sucks," The Mean One said. "He's the worst."
"My grandkids love it," said Terri Johnson who joined her cousin on a bar crawl happening at the same time. "Coming out here every year when they do this. It's awesome!"
The snow may be fake but the fun is real. Something about the holiday season always seems to promise Peace on Earth. And we almost saw it here in Enumclaw. Almost. And then just after shaking hands, The Mean One pulled Santa's cap over his eyes.
"Knew that was coming," laughed Santa.
The tree lighting and snowfall happen at 6 p.m. on Saturday December 16 and 23 on Enumclaw's Cole Street.
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