Tree lighting, parade mark beginning of season

Sisters will kick off its holiday traditions this weekend with the annual Sisters Community Christmas Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade on Friday, November 23, and Saturday, November 24 in downtown Sisters.

The events are hosted by the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce and presented by Hoodoo Recreation.

For the eighth year, Deschutes Land Trust, Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Sisters have worked together to bring a beautiful 40-foot white fir to Barclay Park in downtown Sisters. Stop by the park at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, November 23, and see Harold the Hodag, enjoy carolers, speeches from local dignitaries and hot cocoa and popcorn. This year, in the spirit of community, organizers ask each attendee to bring a can of food to donate to the local food bank.

"Sisters Country is an amazing place to live," says Events Director Jeri Buckmann. "I look forward to the annual Sisters Country Cowboy Christmas activities, and the tree lighting in particular."

The Christmas Parade down Hood Avenue begins at 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 24. This annual tradition will feature dozens of floats and entries and is fun for all ages.

Chamber staff and volunteers will host photos with Santa Claus at the Sisters Chamber office (291 E. Main Ave.) after the parade. Get to the Chamber office early to meet with Harold the Hodag from Hoodoo and get free Autobahn tickets (limited supply; first-come, first-served; limit two tickets per family).

Coffee and hot cocoa will be served.

The Tree Lighting and Annual Christmas Parade are a part of the annual Cowboy Christmas hosted by the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce. For a complete Cowboy Christmas calendar of events, visit www.sisterscountry.com or call 541-549-0251.