Community Connections, Lights and Holiday Magic at the Village on Casino Road
There was lots of merriment with holiday lights, treats, crafts and holiday gifts at the Village on Casino Road’s Wintertide celebration. This special type of magic happens when people and organizations come together to support others in the community.
Helpers with Madres de Casino Road distributed warm take-home meals // Linda War Bonnet
If you don’t know, Casino Road is the most densely populated and diverse area in Everett. Many of the residents are hard-working, family-oriented immigrants. The community is strong but resources are limited and the Village on Casino Road is working to change that with community partnerships.
Here are just a few highlights of the Wintertide at the Village on Casino Road:
Yummy hot chocolate was served by Los Gavilanes.
Festive music and stories for the kids.
200 delicious-smelling take-away dinners were distributed by Madres de Casino Road.
United Way Snohomish County provided books and toys for families to take home.
A table full of warm winter hats, gloves and socks for those in need.
Childstrive supplied fun craft activities for families.
The City of Everett provided financial support and promotion of the event.
Yummy holiday treats // Linda War Bonnet
One strand of magic that pulled the event together was the beautifully remodeled building that was decked out in holiday lights. Wintertide was the first big gathering at the Village. You may remember that the Village on Casino Road only recently opened up because of delays caused by the pandemic.
Childstrive provided craft activities for families // Linda War Bonnet
Last year the Wintertide event took place outdoors in the rain that was bordering on sleet. There was hot cocoa and the Sugar and Spoon truck was onsite with yummy cookie dough. There were a few strands of holiday lights donated by neighbors to create a photo backdrop.
It was cold, but spirits were high last year // Courtesy of Connect Casino Road
This year the entire building was wrapped in warm white lights. Generous Village partners purchased the lights and High Strung Christmas Lights owner Riley Poor installed them for free.
This year everyone was cozy indoor, in a building wrapped in a warm glow of lights // Linda War Bonnet
I heard that the event was so well attended that they started to run out of supplies and goodies after about two hours. It seems the community is ready to embrace the space and I’m betting that next year’s event will be even bigger and better and more magical.
Linda War Bonnet represents south Everett on the Live in Everett Team. When she isn’t working, she is running the Westmont-Holly Neighborhood Association. You might spot her walking her dog in the Holly neighborhood.