The Holiday Village Lighting Ceremony is a perfect way to usher in the season: listen to carolers, snack on baked goodies, and sip cider around bonfires.
The annual Lopez event will be on Friday, Nov. 28 at 4:30 p.m. in the Village Park.
This year’s Grand Lopezian award goes to a Lopez couple, Jamie and Lauren Stepehens. Traditionally, the grand Lopezian flips the switch on decorations adorning the restored water tower and pump house. The Stephens will be out of town for Thanksgiving, so members of the Lopez Chamber board will turn on the lights instead. At the sound of a siren, merchants will illuminate their businesses and holiday displays and the entire village will come alive with a festive atmosphere. Lopez Island Chamber of Commerce sponsors the ceremony.
Jamie, Lauren, and their two kids moved to Lopez from Bellevue in 1996. From day one, they’ve volunteered on the island. “It’s a community that is run by volunteers and we’re lucky enough to be able to help out. And it’s a great place to raise kids and be a part of the community,” said Lauren.
Their daughter Jessica is now a sophomore at Georgetown University in Washington, DC and their son Danny is a senior at Lopez High School.
Jamie is a past president of the Lopez Lions Club, a port commissioner with the Port of Lopez, on the board of the Fisherman Bay Water Association, and a substitute teacher at Lopez School. “He’s great,” said Lauren. “He teaches math and science and the kids really learn.”
Jamie is also involved with the Chamber of Commerce, Lopez Family Resource Center, Lopez Center, Lopez Skate Park, and Lopez Housing Options.
Lauren is the current president of the Lopez Lions Club and has been on the school board for years.
“We chose them because they are not only involved in the business community but they are continually volunteering and assisting our community in all aspects,” said chamber board member Daren Holscher.
Lauren says she was both surprised and excited about receiving the recognition. “It’s a real honor that someone would even suggest us.”
Hot cocoa, cider and cookies will be provided by the chamber. Visitors can warm themselves around fire pits and participate in Christmas caroling. Many village stores will be open late to help welcome in the holiday season.
