While the core of costumed volunteers marshaled the children (and adults) into line to have their photo taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus, other volunteers were working away from the action serving delicious and much-appreciated hot chocolate.

Missy Bageant was determined.

Christmas must be white. It cannot be otherwise.

So she and a friend, Michelle Harte, commandeered the Ilwaco Fire Department’s buggy and hooked up a snow machine.

Voila! People attending the Ilwaco Crab Pot Christmas Tree lighting ceremony were sprinkled with white flakes, which added an authentic-seeming flavor to the chilly festivities and allowed kids and the young-at-heart to get controllably messy.

Saturday’s event featured an opportunity for those attending — young and old — to have their photo taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The throng was marshaled into line by colorfully clad volunteers, including Tracy Elbert in a bright red crab hat, Ashley Wright and Susan Bryan. Sherri Housley sported some fetching elf ears.

The Grinch climbed down from an Ilwaco Fire Department truck and added some green silliness; there was even a Yeti, mingling with the crowd and giving high-fives that were far from abominable.

Santa displayed his wry sense of humor.

“I am just a humble toymaker and really just a delivery person,” the jolly old elf told the crowd of about 100. “Even with what I do, there is a lady in charge. The most important words in the English language? ‘Yes, dear!’”

Jenna Austin, president of the Ilwaco Merchants Association, was emcee for the 18th annual event, which featured Christmas music and accordion pieces played by Suzanne Knutzen. Ilwaco High School graduate Sarah Frank of Pacific Bible Church sang her new song, “The Promise.”

Amid the fun, Austin, resplendent in her green elf costume, took time to share the applause. “We are pretty glad that you came to celebrate with us,” she told the crowd. She thanked all the volunteers, the Ilwaco Fire Department, the City of Ilwaco and the Port of Ilwaco, as well as the merchants’ group that she leads. “A lot of people worked hard to bring a little bit of Christmas cheer.”

She led the countdown to the tree lighting, followed by the “world’s smallest fireworks show,” which consisted of a lone rocket that exploded overhead in a delightful white burst.

The tree, at the corner of Howerton Way and First Avenue close to the Ilwaco waterfront, is created each year from a triangular stack of crab pots. As well as lights, it is decorated with floats that commemorate local fishers lost at sea and represent the region’s fishermen. “They are the reason we have such a great town and they help our economy,” she said.

The tree also honors the U.S. Coast Guard and Auxiliary.

• Santa and Mrs Claus were assisted in their travels by Russell and Julie House of Naselle.