HHS Band Director Corey McEnry not only coordinated a gig at the Hockinson Tree Lighting for his music students, he joined them. McEnry organized the holiday-themed "Gangsta Wrappers" saxophone quartet consisting of Avery Viles (tenor), Parker Bruning (alto), and Owen Teckenburg (alto). The four braved cold, wet conditions to add a spirited soundtrack to this year's tree lighting, which was streamed to local families. You can watch a recording of their performance here.
The 2020 Hockinson Hometown Holidays Tree Lighting Ceremony went on without the fanfare and crowds of 2019. But this year's virtual event had every bit as much community and holiday spirit.
The ceremony was streamed on the Hockinson Main Street Team's Facebook page and featured remarks by HSD Superintendent Steve Marshall as well as HMST members Shaun Hart and Justin Van Natta. In case you had trouble hearing, a transcript of Marshall's remarks are below:
This past year the HSD celebrated its 150th anniversary. Its 151st year has certainly been historic; it has not been an easy one for our schools or our families.
Speaking of history, the sesquicentennial gave us the opportunity to learn more about this area’s heritage including its Native Americans and Scandinavian settlers. We also learned about its past struggles and how the community emerged stronger because of them. So maybe tonight is fitting to start off my comments with a Scandinavian proverb:
When happiness is shared, it is doubled.
When sorrow is shared, it is halved.
This proverb speaks to the importance of friends, family, and community. We lift each other up during the good times and we lean on each other during hard times.
This year we’ve endured our share of restrictions and loss. But the holidays present us with the opportunity to give, share, and celebrate.
Tonight’s Hockinson Hometown Holidays is a gift to the Hockinson community. I want to thank Klopman Tree Farms for donating it and Hockinson Community Church for hosting it. I also want to thank the Hockinson Main Street Team for organizing tonight’s virtual celebration. This tree is presented with respect for our past and as a symbol of our shared spirit that continues despite our current challenges. When it is illuminated it will shine with the optimism of a better tomorrow.