John Galbraith pauses with an ornament in hand beside La Conner’s town Christmas tree as Shelter Bay Yacht Club members — longtime Chamber of Commerce partners — continue their eighth annual decorating tradition. What began during the lighted Christmas boat parade, when floral designer Kim joked to fellow boater Debbie that $200 could transform the tree, turned into a Chamber-backed challenge Debbie made real, sparking a tradition that’s grown ever since. Couples now divide the tree into sections, directing Tony Pena as he works from a lift to place ornaments high above.
Photo by Nancy K. Crowell
