Opinion & Editorial

Letter: Winter Lights event an example of city, Chamber partnership

Creswell Mayor Dave Stram

This morning I awoke with a great sense of joy as I reflected on the events of last evening – the Creswell Winter Lights celebration. Saturday, Dec. 4, was a wonderful day here in Creswell! Cloudy skies and the chill of an Oregon December day greeted young and old, Creswellians and visitors, as the downtown bustled with activity.

At the Old Schoolhouse, the Creswell Heritage Foundation gave tours of their work in progress. The Grange was filled with magnificently decorated Christmas trees, and children got to write a letter to Santa. Shoppers were treated to a holiday market at the Community Center. As I took in the sights and sounds my heart was filled with gratitude for the many people who worked so hard to bring back our Winter Lights Celebration.

A huge “Thank You” goes to the Creswell Chamber of Commerce and their president, Bobby Ladley. Without their effort, this grand event would not have happened. I encourage you to get acquainted with Bobby and to step into the Chamber office on Oregon Ave. to meet RuthAnn Seim, the Chamber’s Community Engagement Specialist.  

Walking in the parade brought back memories of previous parades in which I walked with members of the City Council and other elected officials from Lane County. Joining me last weekend were councilors Kevin Prociw and Shelly Clark. Thank you! The local Boy Scout troop led the way for Santa and his sleigh to make a grand entrance. Young people from our schools provided music to make the heart sing! Many thanks to Creswell music teachers Erik Telfer and Sandi Green for leading the middle school choir and the high school marching band. 

In the town center we were treated to music from the Tuba Ensemble, the Creswell Community Singers under the direction of Mary Ellen Yost, and the Creswell High School Jazz Band. Happy children were everywhere! Hot apple cider was available at City Hall, served with a smile by City Manager Michelle Amberg and her husband Don.   

As your new mayor, I was asked to say a few words. Since people didn’t come out to hear me give a speech, I made an announcement. It’s an announcement worth repeating. The City of Creswell and the Chamber of Commerce have entered into an agreement for community events and tourism activities. It’s a three-year agreement (2021-2024) that calls for the Chamber to organize and promote activities in Creswell. The Winter Lights Celebration was the first, to be followed in 2022 by the Community Yard Sale in the spring and the Fourth of July Celebration. Putting on these events requires great coordination and many volunteers. In past years my wife and I helped with the pancake feed in the park on July 4. Remember – it’s not just what your community can do for YOU, but what YOU can do for your community. So please consider serving as the Chamber puts on these events.  

To all who helped with the Winter Lights Celebration – thank you!

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