The spirit of the season breezed through Vashon during WinterFest on Saturday, Dec. 7.

Hundreds thronged amid chilling winds on Vashon Highway to catch the colorful lights and raucous sounds of the parade, to eat cookies and sip hot drinks, and to catch a glimpse of winter legends such as Santa and the Grinch. Businesses festooned lights, garlands and other decorations, and Vashon’s giant candy canes lit up the street.

Third-graders from Chautauqua Elementary School led the parade, singing and ringing jingle bells as they went. Families lined the street, spilling out onto the sidewalks as vehicles for the Vashon Library, Granny’s Attic and more rolled on. Trucks and tractors hauled kids and dogs, the marching band VasHonk performed for the crowd, and members of Vashon Island Fire & Rescue and other organizations passed out candy to eager children.

And then, there at the end, were Mrs. and Mr. Claus — provoking frantic and jubilant cries of “Santa!” from the onlooking youth, who quickly swarmed the red-and-white-clad folkloric figures of wondrous, wintery gift-giving.

As the North Pole denizens’ ride parked near the big tree, a bold child ran up to give Santa a high-five. Then, another ran up to do the same.

That was all it took: Suddenly a rush of children were eagerly hurtling toward Santa to clap hands, too.

Thrilled children ran here and there, carried each other in their arms and eagerly crowded together at the steps of the Vashon Presbyterian Church, where the Vashon Chorale lifted their voices in song and Santa recounted his joy at seeing whales during his trip to Vashon.

Winterfest is organized annually by the Vashon Chamber of Commerce. Sponsors this year included Vitalitree, who fixed, climbed, and helped light the tree; Ace Hardware and Sotheby’s. The Chamber also partnered with Comunidad Latina de Vashon, who put up barricades and helped light up the town.

Following the lighting of the tree, the gaggle of kids all joined in for another round of Jingle Bells, and many took pictures with The Grinch at the Vashon Theatre backlot.

WinterFest may be over, but Santa will stick around the island a little longer.

Santa will return to his cottage behind U.S. Bank from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15. Santa will not have a professional photographer, but families can take their own pictures and bring their pets. As long as supplies last, kids will receive a special pillowcase designed to make sure that sugar plum fairies dance in their heads on Christmas Eve.

Kids can give their letters to Santa directly, or drop their letters for Santa in a mailbox at the Vashon Bookshop as late as Dec. 21. Santa will reply to every letter; just remember to include a return address. Postage is not necessary.

VasHonk performs during the WinterFest parade. (Jim Diers photo)

The Vashon Island Chorale performs on the steps of the Presbyterian church. (Jim Diers photo)

Mr. and Mrs. Claus wave to their fans as the parade rolls through town. (Jim Diers photo)

Mr. and Mrs. Claus wave to their fans as the parade rolls through town. (Jim Diers photo)

Third-graders from Chautauqua Elementary School led the parade, singing and ringing jingle bells as they went. (Jim Diers photo)

Vashon Island Fire & Rescue crews handed out candy and flashed their truck lights on their way through town. (Alex Bruell photo)

The Vashon Island Chorale performs on the steps of the Presbyterian church. (Alex Bruell photo)