An Open Letter to Kennewick’s Senske’s Holiday Light Display

For 20 years, Senske Services has been putting on its holiday light show in Kennewick.

Over 500,000 Christmas lights dance merrily to the music each night through the holiday season and the display is free for all to view at Quay Street and delights Tri-Citians and out-of-town visitors annually.

Get our free mobile app

I do have one thing to say about the display.

I was scrolling through my Next Door app and someone commented that the lights were off during the final week before the New Year.

A week ago, the wind storm we had in Tri-Cities damaged their light system, and the show had to end prematurely for the season.

In the app, I really appreciated that Senske Services jumped in and explained why this beloved event and display had shut down. A big thank you to Chris Senske.

In a comment on the same page, I was dismayed to find another commenter complaining about the lack of lights and Santa not being present at the event.

It might be the mood I was in but I couldn't believe someone would leave a comment like that. It seemed mean and out of place for the conversation and made me a little angry.

You see, the Senske Christmas Light Display is free for the community to enjoy. They do ask for a donation of a can of food for the 2nd Harvest food bank but that's about it.

I noticed later that the comment had been deleted so hopefully, someone rethought their comments.

I'm not sure why it hit me the wrong way but I wanted to take a moment and thank Senske Services for the holiday light display and all the hard work that goes into making the show a Christmas tradition here in the Tri-Cities every year.

I'm glad one bad apple didn't spoil the whole bunch as Senske Services says the Christmas light display will be back for its 21st year next year and that's one great thing to look forward to next holiday season!