News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
The holiday season officially kicked off in Sisters Country this past weekend with the annual town Christmas Parade and tree lighting. Although there was no snow to frame the picturesque parade through town on Saturday, November 30, spirits were high under a bright Central Oregon blue sky.
The annual Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting is the essence of small-town holiday charm. A big crowd turned out on Saturday to partake.
The event is sponsored by Kizziar Properties and Sisters Woodlands, and organized by Sisters Parks & Recreation District (SPRD).
The second "Holiday Palooza" combined iconic events, including the parade (in its 47th year), and the annual tree lighting. Activities followed the parade this year at Fir Street Park, including ornament decoration, hot chocolate and cider, pictures with Santa Claus, and a spot to drop off a letter to the North Pole. The event culminated with a tree lighting ceremony at Fir Street Park, with a countdown and Christmas carols echoing through the park.
Sisters' community Christmas Tree is now all lit up for the holiday season.
"We decided to combine the events last year to transition from two mini-events to one large celebration," said SPRD executive director Jennifer Holland. "Additionally, it is more efficient with planning, staff, and volunteer time, reducing the cost of executing the event. We have received a lot of positive praise for the decision from event-goers and agency partners."
Holland notes, "This year, we had a new partnership with Sisters Makers. They graciously opened their doors to house our craft project and pictures with Santa. This was a huge success, and we are very grateful for their support," said Holland. "The Majority of our staff team is there to ensure that the event goes smoothly (approximately seven staff). However, we still rely on volunteers to help during the event. Rotary Club of Sisters provided six volunteers to hand out hot chocolate and cider."
In addition, the City of Sisters provides staff to shut down the roads and ensure everything is operational at the park. Most importantly, they ensure the tree will light without problems.
Many families echoed the same sentiment: It's tradition to come to the tree lighting and parade, and it's nice to have it combined as one event.
Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer made an appearance.
Shirley McBride, in an unmissable reindeer outfit, is one of the icons of the Christmas parade.
"It's my 30th Christmas parade in Sisters, and I love it, and I love to see all of the kids' faces when they see the reindeer walking by," said McBride.
The sentiment of tradition was a theme throughout this year's parade, and attendees and participants craved that sense of small-town tradition. Members of the Three Sisters Historical Society, Gayle Todd and Pat Leiser, walked in the parade in period dress, and when asked what they love about being in the parade, Todd stated, "It's tradition; you gotta do it."
Sisters veterans kicked off the annual holiday parade.
The parade started with the Sisters Veterans, as does every parade. It's one of the veterans' favorite events each year, they say. The Pacific Northwest Newfoundland Club was a favorite this year, with big fluffy Newfies coming up to patrons for a sniff. Dogs and horses were everywhere - a big part of the parade in Sisters each year.
The Sisters Camp Sherman Fire District and Cloverdale Fire District were a big hit again this year, driving the big engines; kiddos were enamored to see them go by. Santa Claus even got a ride in the fire engine, ending the parade and kicking off the holidays in Sisters Country.
Legendary Corgis are a traditional feature of the parade.
A warmer day turned into a chillier evening, but that didn't stop patrons from sticking around for the park activities, visiting Santa, and waiting for the countdown to light up the town tree.
"My favorite part is to see everyone with smiles on their faces," said Holland. "There is something magical about this time of year. Coming together as a community and celebrating Sisters and our small-town traditions is special. Sisters Park & Recreation District is honored to be entrusted with this event and looks forward to next year."
Reader Comments(0)