Leavenworth's Christmas spirit is back in full force after storms caused flooding and power outages. Lights are glowing, and the town is filled with holiday cheer.
After enduring relentless rain, widespread flooding, and powerful winds that plunged Leavenworth into darkness, the holiday spirit has triumphantly returned, illuminating the town with its signature Christmas magic. A renewed sense of warmth and festive cheer has permeated the air, just in time for the heart of the holiday season . The Village of Lights, once dimmed by the storm, now twinkles brightly, offering a dazzling spectacle for visitors and locals alike.
On Friday, the sounds of 'Jingle Bells' played by a live band echoed through the festive streets, further amplifying the Christmas spirit. Azly Rivera, a visitor from Vancouver, Washington, expressed her awe at the experience, stating that it was the most Christmas cheer she had ever witnessed. Marissa Perez-Ortiz, another visitor, described the scene as truly magical and praised the community's resilience in the face of adversity. She emphasized the importance of supporting the town and ensuring everything was alright during this special time. Perez-Ortiz, along with Rivera and their families, had traveled to Leavenworth to fully embrace the holiday season, gathering around warm fires to share memories and create new ones, feeling the collective joy that permeated the village. The town, known as Christmastown, is undeniably alive and vibrant.\The storms that battered Leavenworth caused significant disruption, leading to widespread flooding, high winds, and extensive power outages. The Village of Lights went dark, and city leaders acknowledged the substantial impact on the community. According to City Spokeswoman Kara Raftery, the city's power grid experienced a large-scale outage affecting thousands of residents and numerous businesses. The damage extended to residential neighborhoods, with downed trees and power lines, which caused multiple closures on city streets, county roads, and state highways, temporarily limiting access to Leavenworth. The rising water levels of the Wenatchee and Icicle Rivers further exacerbated the situation, inundating city infrastructure and raising concerns about flooding. Despite these challenges, the town has rallied, and the lights are now glowing once more. This restoration of holiday brilliance couldn't have come at a better time, serving as the backdrop for a joyous occasion. Jordan Van Gelder and Kristin Ataras, also from Vancouver, Washington, made a surprise trip to Leavenworth, where they found themselves swept up in a proposal, which took place in the Christmas-lit town. Ataras shared her joy at the unexpected proposal, remarking that they needed some Christmas in their life. The scene, now illuminated by twinkling lights and the glow of her new engagement ring, captured a moment of pure happiness. Van Gelder expressed his elation, declaring that he was the luckiest man in the world, filled with joy and happiness. \Joel Martinez, who owns a front-row seat to the magic at the Icicle Brewing Company, is delighted to witness the return of the holiday spirit. City officials have acknowledged the financial impact on businesses. Jessica Stoller, the Marketing and Public Relations Director for the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce, indicated that the full economic effects of the storm and subsequent Highway 2 closure would be fully realized in the coming months, when the lodging tax and retail tax collections data are available. Martinez confirmed that business had been affected. The Icicle Brewing Company closed early due to power outages and remained closed for two days afterward. Martinez noted that while the floods received more media attention, the downed trees had a greater impact on power supply and other essential services within the town. However, Leavenworth has a reputation for resilience and for fostering miracles, and this re-illumination of its lights seems to be one such event, serving as a beacon of joy for Santa, his reindeer, and all the visitors who flock to its streets. Perez-Ortiz encourages everyone to come out and enjoy the Christmas spirit with their families, because it is one of the most Christmas-filled places she has ever seen. City leaders have shared important information for those planning to visit, including alternative routes due to the closure of Highway 2. They have advised visitors to take Highway 97 and I-90 instead. Visitors should be aware that while downtown is fully operational, some neighborhoods and areas are still recovering from the storms. Leavenworth will keep its lights on until the end of February, providing ample time for people to experience the magic of Christmastown.
Leavenworth Christmas Flooding Power Outage Holiday Season
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