Santa, Sasquatch ring in season

Santa Claus and his friends heard children’s Christmas wishes and lit the huge tree downtown Dec. 4.

The holiday season has officially begun in Oak Harbor, where Santa Claus and his friends distributed candy, heard children’s Christmas wishes and lit the huge tree downtown Dec. 4.

Santa’s elves looked a little unusual this year; a walking snowman, a squirrel, Mickey Mouse, a pink unicorn and Sasquatch were all present, waving at passing cars and handing out candycanes to downtown visitors.

Santa sat in front of Garry Oak Gallery, listening to local kids tell him what they want for Christmas from 4-5 p.m., after which he and his friends led the way to the great tree. Sasquatch did the honor of turning on the lights.

Photo by Karina Andrew/Whidbey News-Times
Lauren Vasileff, age 9, tells Santa what she wants for Christmas this year.

Photo by Karina Andrew/Whidbey News-Times Lauren Vasileff, age 9, tells Santa what she wants for Christmas this year.

Photo by Karina Andrew/Whidbey News-Times
Santa brought an unusual gaggle of helpers with him from the North Pole to the Oak Harbor tree lighting, including Mickey Mouse, Sasquatch, a walking snowman, a pink unicorn and a squirrel.

Photo by Karina Andrew/Whidbey News-Times Santa brought an unusual gaggle of helpers with him from the North Pole to the Oak Harbor tree lighting, including Mickey Mouse, Sasquatch, a walking snowman, a pink unicorn and a squirrel.

Photo by Karina Andrew/Whidbey News-Times
Noelle Hallquist, 16 months, sits on Santa’s lap Dec. 4 on Pioneer Way.

Photo by Karina Andrew/Whidbey News-Times Noelle Hallquist, 16 months, sits on Santa’s lap Dec. 4 on Pioneer Way.

Photo by Karina Andrew/Whidbey News-Times
Santa lights the tree in downtown Oak Harbor, aided by none other than Sasquatch and a pink unicorn.

Photo by Karina Andrew/Whidbey News-Times Santa lights the tree in downtown Oak Harbor, aided by none other than Sasquatch and a pink unicorn.

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Photo by Karina Andrew/Whidbey News-Times Santa lights the tree in downtown Oak Harbor, aided by none other than Sasquatch and a pink unicorn.