Christmas carolers fill downtown Spokane with music
The four, SFCC Chamber Choir members, are part of a caroling program put on by the Downtown Business Improvement District every weekend in December through Christmas Eve. Their singing generated smiles from those walking by, and some stopped to take video of the singers.
“It’s really fun because a lot of people stop and listen,” caroler Skye Reynolds said. “It makes them happy.”
The singers usually start in River Park Square, but they decide where to visit during their tour and what songs to sing. Their area runs from the Flour Mill to the Davenport Hotel, and different groups tour the streets from noon to 9 p.m.
“We just wander and see where it takes us,” Kendall Herrmann said. “We like to hit up Starbucks and the Apple Store, because they’re very receptive.”
As the carolers walked in to Starbucks, Margaret Davis was gathering her bags to leave. But when they started singing, she stayed to listen.
“They make beautiful music,” she said. “I love choral music.”
Manager Brooke Allen said the group is a frequent visitor. Employees turn off the music playing over the store speakers so customers can listen. “It’s kind of a nice break from the Christmas music we play,” she said. “They do a good job.”
When the singing was over, Davis followed them out of the shop and said she was grateful they stopped by. “They bring holiday cheer,” she said.
A visit to the Apple Store was followed by a stop at Atticus Coffee & Gifts, where the singers were greeted warmly and offered a free drink. Customers continued browsing and shopping while the sounds of “Jingle Bells” and “Deck the Halls” filled the air.
Fueled by warm coffee, the carolers continued on their rounds to bring “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” to an appreciative audience.