Thousands of people will come and enjoy The Lights of Christmas this year, but few realize that the process of getting the more than one million lights in the trees started three months earlier.

For the past 17 years a small group of brave individuals begin the process on the first week of September. They don their layers of warm clothing, and many days, their rain gear. They buckle up their harnesses and climb into the 60-foot lifts. They make themselves dizzy wrapping strings of light around tree trunks. They load and unload the truck with giant penguins and piles of garland. They staple, move the ladder, staple, move the ladder, staple, for three months, rain or shine.

This year, there is a fine crew hanging lights made up of nine young men. They are working hard to have all the lights hung before December 5th, the opening day of The Lights of Christmas.

One of the light hangers is 19 year old Alex Donoho, who volunteers alongside the paid crew three days a week. Alex is a native of Stanwood and attended Stanwood High School. He hopes to one day pursue a career in print journalism. But, for now, Alex says he is enjoying his time as a light hanger. “I’ve learned a lot about light repair and the guys I work with are really great and very focused.” Alex said. He attended The Lights several years ago and wondered what it was like trying to get all the lights up. Now he knows.

We are so grateful for the hardworking, dedicated team for getting all those lights ready for The Lights of Christmas and the thousands of guests who will enjoy them.

If you are interested in volunteering before or during The Lights of Christmas visit our volunteer website or call Jessica Wilson at 360-652-7575 ext. 2276.