words and photos by Matt Mills McKnight

Neither rain nor wind could hinder holiday spirits in Rainier Beach on Friday evening, when businesses and residents alike turned out to celebrate the third annual Light Up the Beach produced by the Rainier Beach Merchant’s Association.

This year’s theme, “All You Need is Love” warmed hearts and inspired business owners’ creative minds with ideas for decorating their storefronts, some of the most notable were Rainier Dance Center and Redwing Cafe on 57th Ave S in Rainier Beach’s Old Town micro neighborhood.

Santa Clauses were sprinkled like snowflakes across our diverse neighborhood; Asian Santa at Safeway, African American Santa at Rainier Beach Community Center, and White Santa at Rainier Beach Veterinary Hospital.

Seattle Police Department joined in on the holiday cheer as well, handing out candy canes in front of Rainier Beach Community Center where a giant luminaria labyrinth invited guests to navigate the center’s main outdoor square.