POULSBO — Julefest, a Scandivanian holiday observance, was celebrated on Dec. 3 in Poulsbo with an all-day holiday bazaar in the Sons of Norway Lodge, a lunch of traditional foods, and the evening arrival of the Lucia Bride to light the bonfire at Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park.
Saint Lucy’s Day — Dec. 13 — commemorates Lucia of Syracuse, a 3rd-century martyr who brought food and aid to Christians hiding in the catacombs, using a candle-lit wreath to light her way and leave her hands free to carry as much food as possible. According to Wikipedia, St. Lucy’s Day is viewed as an event “signaling the arrival of Christmastide, pointing to the arrival of the Light of Christ.”
Correspondent Angie Donovan photographed the event.
Miss Poulsbo Kaitlyn Morrell watches for the arrival of the Lucia Bride during the Julefest celebration, Dec. 3 at Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park. (Angie Donovan/Kitsap News Group correspondent)
The Lucia Bride arrives with Viking escort during the Julefest celebration, Dec. 3 at Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park. (Angie Donovan/Kitsap News Group correspondent)
The bonfire warmed those chilled by the low night temperatures during the Julefest celebration, Dec. 3 at Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park. (Angie Donovan/Kitsap News Group correspondent)
Faces glow from the torch light during the Julefest celebration, Dec. 3 at Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park. (Angie Donovan/Kitsap News Group correspondent)
Santa Claus visits with children during the Julefest celebration, Dec. 3 at Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park. (Angie Donovan/Kitsap News Group correspondent)
