Thanksgiving has barely passed and we just couldn't wait to usher in the Christmas Season!
What better way than Redmond's annual Holiday Starlight Parade! The parade, held in Downtown Redmond, Oregon, starts at dusk and is filled with beautifully lit entries of all shapes and sizes. Even the horses had twinkle lights! Although I've lived in Redmond for eight years, this is my first Starlight Parade and I must say it couldn't have been a better first. The weather was unseasonably warm with only a light jacket needed. And just in case you got a little chilly, many local merchants had hot chocolate ready and waiting.
The parade started with a string of classic cars decorated for the season.
American Red Cross Disaster Relief
Mark's Auto Body - Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer
A Year of Memories - Local Elementary Students
What better way to top the evening off than the annual Tree-Lighting Ceremony, complete with carolers, candlelight, and Santa! It was an evening filled with fun for all ages. Just one more reason to visit our local Central Oregon area, no matter the time of year!
Terri Visser,CRS Desert Sky Real Estate (541) 410-4978
Looks like fun to me. Take mmore pictures, always well received.
Terri,
Lovely! Thanks for all the photos.
Mike in Tucson
Great pictures. I needed a cup of coco to go with that, with yummy marsh mellows on top. But alas, it's time for bed so no caffeine for me.
Terri- What a beautiful Christmas tree! We have a very small and fun Christmas parade in our town each year. All the local gym schools, dance schools, etc come out and have their floats. Thanks for sharing. Katerina
Terri,
It sounds and looks like you had a great first and may be going back next year.
It was fun Fred. I did have some trouble getting good pictures. Something about moving, lighted objects at night that my camera didn't seem to like :~)
Thanks for stopping by Mike.
Tammy - Maybe a little whipped cream to top the whole thing off. Yum!
Your welcome Katerina. Sounds like our parades are very similar. It was very simple and full of people I knew. Just makes it that much more fun.
I think you're right Don. Although I am a bit fair weather in my ventures, so if it's too chilly a may need some extra cocoa to get me through.
Very nice photos! I feel like I was there and now where are my Christmas cards?
I love this time of year with all of the Christmas parades and tree lightings! It really sets the mood for the holidays!
Debbie
It's been ten years or so since I visited the Redmond area. A very nice place.
That is a great parade. My mother-in-law was in that parade, she was dressed up as an elf and was walking behind the horses with a shovel and a bucket.
Karen - I guess it is that time, isn't it!
I agree Debbie. It really got me in the mood! And the Hospice Christmas Tree Auction is this weekend. I'm very excited to get a look at all of those gorgeous trees.
David - It's a great place to call home.
I definitely noticed your mother-in-law Sean! We tried to convince our nephews (two little blonde boys to the right of the Red Cross float) to volunteer to take her place next year but they have decided to pass :~) They actually live in Silverton, so not too far from you.
Terri looks like a great time! I bet you had a lot of fun:)
Thanks Bill. One of the funniest things was watching all of the kids with bags as though they were trick-or-treating. A lot of candy flew through the air that night! And when else do parents let their kids eat candy off the street? lol
Terri - Congratulations on a well deserved Localism feature! Outstanding photographs and you're right, I feel like it's still Thanksgiving.
Contrats on the feature Terri. Oh and as strange as it seems. Whip cream is among the small list of things I don't eat.
Thank you Debbie!
Thanks Tammy. I don't think I've ever know anyone to not like whipped cream. I actually have it on my coffee every morning. Maybe just a little spoiled :~)
Terri, thank you for the lovely photos.
Those photos will stir the holiday spirit in all who view them!
Terri ... beautiful pics .. I love the Redmond / Bend / Sisters area ... Born and raised in Oregon! I have lived in Houston, TX for almost 5 years and its a bit flat! pippa
What great photos! I've never been good at taking photos in the dark, although I got a good one at the Christmas tree lighting tonight.
What fun!! Great pictures.
Talking about moving fast thru the holidays. That is pretty early for a Christmas Parade but I guess it kicks everyone in to the holiday spirit.
Thanks Maria & Norma!
Pippa - I visited Texas with a friend and I would agree :~) I love where I live!
Good job Margaret! I'm afraid out of all I took only a few were semi-worthy, but we work with what we have :~)
Thanks for stopping by Kristi.
Love the decorations....Love the cars more!
Happy Holidays...........
I love it! And congrats on the Localism feature. I think I'll feature it in the Things to Do/Places to Visit group too. =)
DeAndrea - It did seem early, but it was effective at getting me motivated for Christmas!
Tim - The cars were really fun. Wish more ot the pics of them would have turned out better.
Thanks Lisa, and thanks for the feature! :~)
Nice pictures! Does look like fun AND not as cold as here in Colorado!!!!
Thanks Sassy. I'm sure Colorado must be in the full swing of winter by now. Brrr!
This is the season that the electric companies are especially fond of!
Hi Terri, Thanks for the great pics! I had to make homemade hot cocoa to go w/ that (yes, mini marshmellows too!) I just had knee surgery so I don't know if I'll get to go to the Ann Arbor area parade this year. I appreciate your pics all the more.
The Horse Girl ~ Marian
You're probably right Barbara-Jo, but it sure is beautiful!
Thanks Marian. How you enjoyed the hot chocolate and heal quickly.
Terri, Sounds like the holiday parade turned out well and that everyone enjoyed it. Enjoyed the pictures, thanks for sharing.
You're welcome Gary. Thanks for stopping by to have a look!