For the past 13 years, Engels Repair & Towing has contributed to the holiday cheer on the island with its tow truck decked out for the season. Mechanic Nils Sternberg is responsible for the decorating job, which takes a couple days to complete.

Shop owner Lou Engels said the truck, a 1942 Chevrolet military truck with four-wheel drive, was the first dump truck for Vashon Sand & Gravel. It was later converted to a tow truck, with Engels beginning to use it in that capacity in 1952. This photo shows an inflatable pick-up truck being towed, but Paul Engels said they had to take it down after it was blown about by the wind. In other years a ’29 Ford Roadster and a ’59 Cadillac held that prime spot. Last week Paul said they were thinking of setting up a 1948 Willys Jeep — complete with Santa — behind the tow truck instead, but were not sure if they could get it done before the true Santa came to town.

The annual decorating is for islanders’ enjoyment. “It’s about Merry Christmas,” Paul said.