What Silverton’s fifth annual Christmas by the Lake lacked in snow, it made up for in spirit. The European-style event featured an ice slide, blacksmith demonstrations, chainsaw carvings, snow sculptures, roasted bannock and chestnuts, as well as an artisan’s market, and appearances by Santa Claus, the Gingerbread Man, and the Grinch. Saturday was capped with a fire dance performance by Illuminadis.
The festival continues until 3 p.m. today — when Silverton’s old school bell will ring its end.