When Argosy Cruises posts its schedule
for its Christmas Ship Festival, that’s when Cheryl Jones ramps up
work getting Madison Park’s festivities lined up for the holiday
tradition.
“We don’t really coordinate,”
said Jones, who is office administrator and transaction coordinator
with Windermere Real Estate in Madison Park. “We just plan to be
there when the ships show up.”
Argosy Cruises has been leading a fleet
of illuminated ships for its Christmas Ship Festival since 1949, and
Madison Park has made it a celebration since the beginning.
Seattle Parks and Recreation handles
the bonfire along Madison Park Beach, where people congregate to
watch the ships as they traverse Lake Washington.
The Spirit of Seattle is the official
Christmas Ship, and is followed by a parade of local boaters.
This year ships are set to leave Lake
Union and arrive at Madison Park Beach at 8:10 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17.
They will first provide a light show and musical performance at
Madrona Park at 7:35 p.m. as the ships loop back to Lake Union. The
Northwest Girlchoir will perform.
Jones said she’s confirmed Santa will
be back at the Madison Park Bathhouse, where children, adults and
pets can get their pictures taken and printed that same night for
free. The Madison Park Community Council cosponsors the event, and
president Karen Kane coordinates use of the Bathhouse.
“So they’ll have the nice photos
ready for you right there with the folders,” she said. “We had a
good turnout last year. We had lots of dogs.”
Madison Park Hardware is donating hot
chocolate, and NW Sports Rehab and Parkshore will bring the cookies
again this year.
Because so many spectators had wanted
to return to the Bathhouse to warm up with refreshments after the
ships past last year, Jones said that portion of the event will go
longer this year, from 6-9 p.m.
Argosy Cruises will
have another Christmas Ship event on Wednesday, Dec. 18, that
includes a performance in front of the Seattle Tennis Club at 7:25
p.m. The Song of Seattle choir will come along for that voyage.