Thousands of mostly South Kitsap residents flocked to downtown Port Orchard Dec. 3 for the city’s 18th annual Festival of Chimes & Lights. Official Christmas tree lighters Bruce and Linda Titus threw the switch and the enormous tree just outside Port Orchard City Hall was transformed into a blaze of lights.

Other highlights during the daylong event was the Pooch and Purr Parade, a holiday costume contest for pets and their people, the sixth Jingle Bell Run/Walk and the “Christmas Lane” lighted boat contest at the Port Orchard Marina.