Holiday season kicks off with parade

Dark skies with the threat of rain couldn't hold back the hundreds of spectators that lined both sides of Hood Avenue on Saturday for the 39th Sisters Christmas Parade sponsored by the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce.

This year's theme, "A Country Christmas," was the perfect fit for Sisters to show off its small-town charm.

Spectators Sharon and Gary Campbell from Tumalo have been living in Central Oregon for nearly 40 years and remember being in the Sisters Rodeo and Christmas Parade on a horse at least once.

"We've been coming to the Sisters Christmas Parade for many years; it's become a tradition. Our kids grew up in the area," Gary said.

With a combination of floats, fire trucks and animals, the Christmas Parade had little folks and big folks alike applauding, laughing, and cheering as each entry made its way past, with emcee Bob Buckmann narrating.

Frosty the Snowman created some excitement among the kids as he made his way down the street waving, later followed by the Hoodoo mascot Harold the Hodag.

There was a big shout-out to Sisters-Camp Sherman RFPD, which has served the Sisters community for eight decades.

A new addition to the parade was an old Amish wagon representing Alpenhimmel Creative Arts Emporium in Sisters. Art teacher and employee Wendy Bachmeier and her whole family came up with the idea to dress as traditional German folk. Bachmeier's dad, Leon Baker, and her mom, Betty June Baker, wore traditional Bavarian clothing.

"My parents bought the old Amish wagon several years ago," Bachmeier told The Nugget. "They use to do horse farming and had horses that pulled the wagon. Riding on our wagon, my mom was playing the accordion, my brother David the violin and his wife Evija was taking care of their four girls."

Bachmeier's brother-in-law Andy was driving and his wife, Cindy, along with their five kids, handed out candy to the crowds.

Pickers and Peddlers Antiques in Tumalo rode in their vintage sleigh with some guests of the furry kind following close behind. The guests were from Harmony Farm Sanctuary, another new addition to the parade. Founder Robine Bots, her family and their volunteers brought horses of all sizes; goats; and a dog to join in on the festivities.

"Tammy and Jon from Picklers and Peddlers invited us to walk with them. Our theme for the parade was country Christmas-tree hunt," said Sana Hayes, volunteer coordinator for the sanctuary.

"Sisters' Christmas Parade is one of my favorite parts of my job," said Jeri Buckmann, Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce event coordinator. "What a better way to start off the season than a Christmas Parade. All the entries are wonderful, especially the animals. You can't help but smile when you see llamas, dogs, horses and even a pig dressed up!"

Sisters residents and visitors had more special events to enjoy after the festivities of the parade on Hood Avenue.

Santa stopped in for a visit at the Sisters Chamber office on Main Avenue directly following the parade for one-on-one visits with the youngsters. Harold the Hodag, Hoodoo's mascot, was there as well.

"Visits with Santa at the Chamber is always a fun time right after the parade," added Buckmann. "I could not do it without the help of our Chamber volunteers Kati Lindbloom, Ronni Duff and Susi Geren serving the hot drinks and snacks."