Clam Lights turn on Dec. 3 at Gene Coulon park

November 26, 2010 1:59 pm

The holiday season officially kicks off in Renton, Friday, Dec. 3, with the illumination of Clam Lights and visit by the Argosy Christmas Ship.

The 17th Annual Clam Lights will come on at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park at 7:15 p.m., a spectacle that draws thousands of people every year. The lights will be lit nightly through Jan. 1. The lights are sponsored by Ivar’s and Puget Sound Energy.

The Rainier Yacht Club’s “Parade of Boats” starts at 7:30 p.m. and promises decked out boats in the spirit of the season.

From 8 p.m.-8:20 p.m., watch the Argosy Christmas Ship featuring entertainment by a local choir. Spectators can either watch from the shore as the carolers are broadcast from a state-of-the-art speaker system or they can hitch a ride. To find out how, call 206-622-8687. Ticket sales benefit The Seattle Times Fund For The Needy.

Downtown Renton begins its festivities on Dec. 4 from 3 p.m.-7 p.m.

Start by strolling along South Third Street between Burnett and Main avenues south, enjoying roasted chestnuts and Dickens carolers. The annual tree-lighting event takes place at 5 p.m. with refreshments. The event is sponsored by downtown businesses and Piazza Renton. For more information about the tree lighting, call 425-917-0173 or visit PiazzaRenton.com.

To round out the holiday weekend of events, there will be a “K9 Candy Cane 5k Fun Run and Walk” on Dec. 5.

Everyone is welcome, with or without a dog. The run/walk starts at 9:15 a.m., leaving the Renton Community Center and traveling along the Cedar River Trail before looping back to the community center. There will be a kids 1k at 9 a.m. that’s not timed. For more information on registration visit rentonk9run@runsnoqualmie.com. A portion of the registration fees will support the Cedar River Dog Park.

And finally, Santa makes an appearance in downtown at Santa’s House from Dec. 10 – 18 in the Piazza downtown on Fridays 5 p.m.- 7 p.m. and Saturdays 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Sponsored by the Downtown Events Committee, each visit is complete with a free downloadable picture. For more information contact 425-255-6078 or email happydelusions@yahoo.com.