Holiday tree lighting and parade of lights brings out crowd, despite humbug weather

GEORGE CUSTER/The Herald — The Grinch might have stolen Christmas in the movie, but he was nowhere to be found last night at Banner Park. Despite the weather being less than cooperative, the crowd seemed unaffected and eagerly awaited the arrival of the parade of lights (and of course Santa and Ms. Clause!) The attraction that caught many an eye was the large Diamond Express bus that was decorated, not only with lights on the outside, but the interior had been decorated as well. A fully decorated and lighted tree adorned the inside of the bus. The bus decorating project was the brainchild of Councilmember Michelle Coker.

Councilmember Chrissy Hollett, who also serves as a volunteer firefighter and EMT, organized the parade of lights. The parade of lights enlists the help of parents who register with the fire department to pass on their children’s wish list to Santa. The fire, police, and EMS vehicles, all brightly decorated, drive

slowly through the city, stopping regularly so that Santa can hand out gifts to the children. Leo Rob, who has been an active organizer of the Toys for Tots for many years said that the drive “was very successful, once again with over 80 children receiving gifts”. This is what the people of Oakridge are made of.

The young ones who waited, somewhat patiently, to say hello to Santa and Ms. Clause and to tell Santa what they were hoping to get for Christmas. Beaming parents took lots of pictures of their smiling children with Santa and Ms. Clause. Santa’s North Pole helpers were also on the scene, talking and laughing with old and young alike.

Mick Garvin, president of the Uptown Business & Revitalization Association (UBRA), organized a joint effort between UBRA, the Oakridge/Westfir Chamber of Commerce, and the City to have warm refreshments available at the event. Wendy and Robert Dennis, and Lynda Kamerrer, and other volunteers served up much needed hot chocolate, coffee, and cookies. Earlier in the day Mick organized the setting up tents and getting the little details ready. Ms. Kamerrer and Gary Carl donated the tree to the city to be used for the holidays. Mayor Holston donated over 200 feet of red garland that the city staff turned into bows to decorate the tree.

Kole Topham, who has formed an acting troupe that will perform a version of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Story’, arrived in-costume and performed snippets of the famous story, to the crowd’s delight. The troupe will be putting on performances at the Lion Mountain Bakery next week, on December 19th and 20th. Times of performances were not available.

Many families parked near the event and stayed in their vehicles until just before the arrival of the light parade and Santa. Mayor Kathy Holston was on hand and spoke to the crowd prior to the lighting of the tree. Mr. Grinch obviously knew to keep his distance from this event. Even the chilly evening and light (mostly) rain couldn’t dampen the spirit of the occasion.