Tis the season to be jolly…and attend a holiday parade fit for Santa and his helpers! Happening right here in Oregon's capitol is a holiday parade you won't want to miss. The Downtown Salem Holiday Parade, put on by The Salem Main Street Association, is coming to town. We've made a list of all the details, and checked it twice, and this is everything you need to know to take in this holiday experience. Happening on Saturday, November 26th; mere days after we fill our stomachs with mashed potatoes, gravy, and turkey and our hearts with gratitude, it's time to turn our sights to Santa. The parade will be starting at 6 PM which will provide a wonderful, darkened backdrop to highlight the sparkling lights that are sure to adorn the streets. The parade will be kicking off at the corner of Church and Court st. It will then wind and turn its way through the downtown Salem area and end its route near Court and Liberty st. What else can you expect from this fun holiday treat? Well, of course, Santa will be making a grand appearance. This year you'll be able to see him riding not a sleigh, but an antique fire truck. There will also be a ceremonious lighting of a holiday tree while Victorian carolers make their rounds to sing the songs we all know and love from the holiday season. An important thing to note is that this event is family friendly, and while we all consider our beloved pets as part of the family, this isn't the event for them. Pets can easily become overwhelmed by the sights and sounds of the holiday parade and are best left at home; tucked into bed, snug and cozy, with dreams of sugar plums dancing in their head. If you would like to participate in the parade, you're more than welcome to register and get your feet, bike, scooter, or wagon on the pavement for this event. The more the merrier! Decorating yourself or your non-motorized wheels is encouraged-have fun with it by using tinsel, lights, garlands, and holiday themed decorations. Just don't forget to dress warm! You can register to be involved in the parade up to November 23rd at 5 PM. Whether you're here to participate in the parade or you're here to watch, there will be complimentary parking at Chemeketa Community College and/or Liberty Parkade. Both locations are well within walking distance of the parade route. Below is the route the parade will be taking. The Salem Main Street Association website contains a map of the route as well, along with all of the above information; including the form to register for the parade as a participant. We're excited to be there and hope to see you in the crowd.
