RedmondLights 2008, Oh My!

As a seasoned NW traveler, I've been to just about every holiday event throughout the greater Puget Sound. I have been attending the RedmondLights annual event since it started in 1998. Years of experience have taught me that the most fun and exciting way for my family to begin our holiday season is with this event. Every year the RedmondLights program gets better and better, and every year I bring more friends and family with me to enjoy the spirit of the season.

Beginning every November I start searching for information on the RedmondLights program. Each year Redmond provides excellent entertainment and great food for the kids, young and old, who come from all over Western Washington for this northwest tradition. RedmondLights incorporates so very many different traditions and cultures into this program that there really IS something for everyone.

From arts and crafts at Redmond Town Center for the little ones, to entertainment and food from around the world, to a beautifully lit outdoor walk along the Sammamish River Trail, RedmondLights is a fun and festive event that has become a longstanding tradition in Redmond's community as well as in my own family. Although my two eldest have grown and gone to college, the youngest ones still get excited about the river walk, seeing Santa, the tree lighting, and all the interesting musical acts.

The 10th Annual RedmondLights program, on Sunday December 7th, boasts incredible musical talents, fun activities, and delicious complimentary food and drink.

As you can see by the following program Redmond packs a good deal to see, hear, eat and drink into quite a few hours. From City Hall to Redmond Town Center to the Sammamish River Trail, there is sure to be something that your family will enjoy.

Redmond City Hall: 4 - 6 pm 12/07/08

• Art Exhibition by Eastside Association of Fine Arts
• Cultural Holiday Music Youth Orchestra, Members of Redmond H.S. Orchestra
• Bollywood Christmas, Vadya Vrinda/Bollywood Orchestra
• Hawaiian Holiday, Pacific Island Band
• Holiday Carols, Columbia Choir
• Mariachi Band, Mariachi Ayutlua

Also at City Hall sample food and hot beverages while you await Santa's Arrival. The Jolly One is due to land for the City's Holiday Tree Lighting at 4:50pm.

Holiday RiverWalk: 5 - 6:30pm 12/07/08
Magical Path of Light (A RedmondLights tradition) Get your RedmondLights Blinkers on the path that leads to the trail. Along the trail experience the Winter glow of Seasonal Light Displays.

Cultural & Holiday Entertainment:

• Handbell Choir, Redmond United Methodist Church
• Steel Drummer, Bob Quarless
• Croation Singers, Dave & the Dalmations
• Barber Shop Harmonies, Zing
• Scottish Pipe Band, Keith Highlanders Pipe Band
• Living Nativity and Choir, Christian Churches of Redmond

Redmond Town Center: 5 - 8 pm 12/07/08
Cultural and Holiday Entertainment:

• Seasonal Songs, NW Boychoir
• Hispanic Dance, Joyas Mestizas
• Carribean Steel Drums, Islanders Steel Drum Band
• Holiday Carols, Silverbells Carolers
• Zydeco Accordian, Murl Allen Sanders
• Multicultural International Vocalist, Gina Sala
• Taiko Drummers, Kaze Daiko Taiko Ensemble

Food Samples:

Enjoy complimentary tastes of food and beverages which represent the diversity of our community.

Kids Activities:

Free Kids Arts & Crafts at "Kids Row" sponsored by the faith communities of Redmond.