BOARDMAN — The Christmas lights display at the SAGE Center at the Port of Morrow in Boardman run until the end of the year.

The community gathered Dec. 4 at the center for the lighting of the Boardman Christmas tree. Preschool students sang and danced to an adoring crowd, and the event included a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, plus cookies and hot cocoa from the Mid-Columbia Bus Company.

Ariel Lissman, owner of The Learning Adventure, led the 15 children, who were from her school, in their performance. She said it was a warm-up for a Christmas presentation that will take place later in the month for their families, also at the SAGE Center.

Locals talked about their enjoyment of the event, their pleasure that they could gather as a community, even on a cold, dark December night.

The event had a good turnout, according to Kelsey Salata, Boardman Chamber of Commerce member and events director. She credited the children, refreshments and Santa for much of the attendance, but mentioned also the SAGE Center light show for attracting people.

The light show runs nightly seven days a week. Music accompanies the light show, and it can be heard on 88.3 FM or on the center’s outdoor speakers.

Torrie Griggs, SAGE Center manager, said she also was pleased with the event’s turnout. She said that community gatherings like this create unity. These days, they are especially important, she said, as people have struggled many months through the pandemic.