Though the format was somewhat changed, and Jack Frost sent in the chilly Eastwinds, Gresham's annual Christmas celebration was a festive affair. 
The 31st Spirit of Gresham event was held Saturday, Dec. 3, transforming the Gresham Arts Plaza, 401 NE Second St., in the North Pole. There were vendor booths with giveaways and warm drinks; cupcakes and caroling from the Mt. Hood Community College choir; photos with Santa and Mrs. Cluas; and lots of lights and decorations. Lining the roadways were the entries for the second annual Holiday Light Cruise, which make their way through town and park at the plaza.
"It is very nice to see all of you this evening," said Gresham Mayor Travis Stovall, who flipped the switch to lit the city's tree. "Happy holidays."
Fire Chief Scott Lewis was walking the plaza in a Santa hat passing out candy canes to kids.
"It's great when the community can come together like this," he said. "A great way to kick off the holiday season." 
Sharing sugary treats is Lewis' modus opperandi. The week before Christmas he walks through the Fire Department passing out Ho-ho treats.
"I go around telling everyone "ho ho," they just roll their eyes at me," Lewis said.
Lewis, Police Chief Travis Gullberg, City Manager Nina Vetter and Mayor Travis Stovall took the stage to officially light the city's tree. It was smaller than usual — the iconic 60-foot living Ponderosa pine was left dark this season. Blustering wind kept breaking the light and unplugging the cords, leaving the tree oft half lit and a headache to fix. 
Instead there were two trees lit in the plaza, which the city said made for a more festive feel to the entire plaza.
The sponsors for the Spirit of Gresham include Weston Kia of Gresham, Gresham Ford, Servpro of Gresham, US World Class Taekwondo, Advantis Credit Union, Pediatric Therapy Services, Gresham Senior Center, Portland Production Company, and Thimbleberry Collaborative Farm. 
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