POULSBO — There was no bonfire at Julefest this year. But there was rain. Lots and lots of rain.

Though, despite the inclement weather — which was clearly the work of Loki — hundreds of Poulsbo residents attended the annual Lucia Bride procession Dec. 5 at Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park.

The December tradition is a way for Poulsbo to honor its Norwegian roots. Following songs and dance and a lengthy oration by Magnus the Wide, the Sons of Norway — dressed as Vikings — tried unsuccessfully to light the pile of wood.

“Everything went well, except for the fire,” said Bob Arper, who dressed as a Viking.

Magnus the Wide, who emceed the event, has been participating in Julefest for over two decades. He said this was the first time he can remember that they weren’t able to light the fire.

He also can’t remember ever having a bad experience—regardless of weather. In fact, he believes the weather adds to the charm.

“You get to experience Poulsbo on a night like this,” Magnus said, smiling as he looked to the sky.

And not to be forgotten was old St. Nick, who arrived just as it was becoming clear that there really wouldn’t be a bonfire this year, to listen to children’s Christmas wishes.

Vikings carrying torches enter Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park from the marina. — Image credit: Pete O’Cain

Vikings file along a pathway to the ceremony at Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park. — Image credit: Pete O’Cain

Vikings gather round a stack of unlit logs. Rain prevented the pile from catching fire. — Image credit: Pete O’Cain

Vikings stand ready to light the yule log fire Dec. 5 at Julefest at Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park. — Image credit: Pete O’Cain

Magnus the Wide blows his horn during the ceremony. Magnus is a skåld, or storyteller, who orated the ceremony. Magnus had led the ceremony for 24 years. “I do this because I like it and because I’m sort of a history geek,” Magnus said. “This lets me get my geek on.” — Image credit: Pete O’Cain

Torches are raised high in the sky as Vikings prepare to light the yule log fire. — Image credit: Pete O’Cain

Vikings tried to light the yule log fire with torches, but rain prevented the logs from catching fire. — Image credit: Pete O’Cain

A Viking attempts to light the rain-soaked logs. — Image credit: Pete O’Cain

Lucia Bride and Sons of Norway Queen Rachel Doornink, left, hands out bread with her maids. “It was a lot of fun,” Doornink said of the ceremony. “Even though it was raining.” — Image credit: Pete O’Cain

Ellie Pratt, 8, tells Santa Claus what she wants for Christmas following Julefest Dec. 5 at Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park. — Image credit: Pete O’Cain