David Severance, 2022 Grand Marshal

The Washington Autumn Leaf Festival Organization (ALFA) has named David Severance as the 2022 Grand Marshal. David is “ aka” Leavenworth’s Father Christmas and St. Nickolas for Christkindlmarkt.  In 1997, David developed the Christmas figure “Father Christmas”, an Old-World Christmas figure whose traditions followed the Pilgrims to the New World.  He appeared, in his green robes, annually, during the Christmas Lighting Festival and other occasions in Leavenworth and Wenatchee. David was also named Grand Marshal along with Co-Grand Marshal Wilfred Woods, the past Wenatchee World Publisher in 2016.

David has been a leader in Leavenworth since he moved from Seattle in August of 1996. He has been an active and founding member of many organizations in Wenatchee and Leavenworth, including President and board member of the Upper Valley Historical Society and Museum, today known as the Greater Leavenworth Museum. A member of Projekt Bayern, was President of the Royal Bavarians, President for 5 terms for the Autumn Leaf Festival Association. Leavenworth Lions Club, The Junior Miss board member, and a member of the Chamber of Commerce.

David has appeared as Father Christmas in many Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce ads and videos for Leavenworth, broadcasted throughout the Pacific Northwest. He has appeared as Father Christmas on “Good Morning America” several times including a live stream to the New York studio of a Christmas Lighting ceremony, The “Today Show”, “Home and Garden Network”, the “Food Channel” and the “Arts and Entertainment Network, when Leavenworth received the “Ultimate Holiday Town” award.

David also served in the U.S. Marine Corp Reserve and was a Seattle Police officer for 30 years before coming to the Leavenworth community. David is proud and thankful to be a member of the Leavenworth community.