Annual Christmas tree ready for display

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake citizens came together to decorate a Christmas tree in Neppel Park Friday.

Aubrey Fuller, 8, said her favorite part about decorating the tree was, "Not getting poked by the tree."

Fuller, along with members of the Boys & Girls Club, Camp Fire, Moses Lake High School Key Club, Latino Youth Mentor Program and the Moses Lake Kiwanis Club decorated the tree with handmade ornaments made by Moses Lake youth.

"It's a community outreach to Moses Lake youth," said Rita Bjork, Grant County PUD public affairs officer. "It allows them to participate in community functions."

Kiwanis President Patty Laughery said, decorating the tree is a tradition in Moses Lake for more than 20 years.

The tree wasn't always in the park, she said. Several years ago there was a tree at the Moses Lake Public Library, but it was chopped down, she added. The community quickly adopted the tree in the park to take over the tradition.

There was one difference this year as opposed to other years.

In addition to cocoa and cookies, cold weather and wind gusts accompanied the decorators.

"I don't remember it being this cold. Today we just want to get out of here," joked Laughery.

She was worried the ornaments might blow off the tree, she said. Some of the ornaments are made of Styrofoam and paper.

The tree is decorated in lights, snowmen, giant golden stars, bulbs and paper plates.