POULSBO — The blazing Jul fire symbolizes light and hope in the traditional Norwegian celebration.

It was a source of warmth, too, for the large crowd of revelers who turned out Saturday for Poulsbo’s holiday festival.

A brilliant sunset gave way to a clear, cold night over Liberty Bay.

“We didn’t add anything new this year, except the fine weather,” said Joanne Graves, who helped organize Jule Fest for the Poulsbo Sons of Norway. “It’s perfect.”

After a Christmas tree lighting the crowd joined in Norwegian songs and dances in the Kvelsted Pavilion. As darkness set in, the Lucia Bride – played this year by Anna Smallbeck – arrived by boat, with princesses Emma Marlow and Stephanie Doornink. Together with an escort of vikings, they set blaze to the Jule Fest fire.

Tad Sooter/staff photos and video