November 29, 2021 4:00 a.m.

Hundreds turned out in downtown Roseburg Saturday night for the annual lighting of the Douglas County Christmas Tree.

The event, held at the courthouse, returned to being in-person, after last year taking place virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Roseburg Mayor Larry Rich emceed the celebration.

Music was provided by the Geneva Academy honor choir:

“Twas the Night Before Christmas” was read by local photographer Sam Starnes.

Santa Claus arrived via an ATV that drove to the base of the courthouse steps. After greeting the crowd, Santa had to deal with an unexpected visitor:

The Grinch came to Roseburg, allegedly in an attempt to steal Christmas. That led to a lengthy conversation involving Santa, the Grinch, and Lieutenant Brad O’Dell of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, who appeared ready to take the Grinch into custody. Ultimately the visitor was convinced by the girls from Whoville to change his ways, and Santa allowed him to place an ornament on the tree via a ladder, which was quickly produced by firefighters on the scene.

The ceremony continued with the tree being lit following a countdown from Douglas County Commissioner Tom Kress:

Families lingered so kids could get their picture taken with Santa, or checkout the nearby nativity scene, where hot chocolate and cookies were being given out.

 

The evening was a collaborative effort of the Douglas County Commissioners, the City of Roseburg, the Downtown Roseburg Association and First Christian Church.

Longform audio from the ceremony is a KQEN podcast at www.541radio.com. Pictures are posted online and on the KQEN Facebook page.