On Saturday, Dec. 7, the Oldest & Coldest Parade will wrap around Springfield streets with the theme “Gingerbread Kisses & Christmas Wishes.” The parade will start at 1 p.m. at 21st and Olympic, down Mohawk Boulevard, and end at Pioneer Parkway East and Main Street.
The grand marshal is International Paper, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. The honorary marshal is the Mid Valley Cruisers, who will conduct a large toy donation drive and fill their trucks with toys for local family care areas.
Brenda Hughey, president of the Oregon Riders Society, a nonprofit motorcycle riding group that has been organizing the parade for eight years, said that 100% of the funds raised go directly back into the community.
“‘Every child deserves a fighting chance’ is our motto,” Hughey said. “We help kids and their families who need an electric bill paid, as well as food or hygiene products. When COVID was hitting some places, people needed rent paid. When we had that freeze last January, we paid several rents. We pay for people’s Christmases every year; last year, we paid for like 98 families.”
Parade registration fees for participants and community donations fund these initiatives.
Hughey said the organization has faced a decline in participation this year.
“I don’t know why, and that’s the thing. (Monday night) We were putting together the lineup, and we only have about 84-85 in the lineup. Normally, we have anywhere from 120 to 140 is a good, solid parade. I don’t know why there is a decline.”
Hughey is accepting applicants for parade participants until the day of the parade.
“This year is really a hard one because normally we’re running on halfway usually do,” Hughey said. “It takes $5,000 to $7,000 minimum to put on the parade, and that’s about what we took in this year, and so we’re still really going to be digging for donations and sponsors just to help us provide that stuff year-round for the people in Lane County.”
Hughes said she is already working with the City of Springfield to find new ways to increase participation and diversity of applicants next year. She added that she wants to reach out more to the Asian and Latino communities to get them more involved.
Folks interested in donating to the Oregon Riders Society can contact Hughey at 541-232-1505 or visit OregonRidersSociety.org.
In Cottage Grove …
This weekend in Cottage Grove, the holiday spirit will shine with the annual Kickoff to Christmas in The Grove on Saturday, Dec. 7. The town will be abuzz with festive activities, and Santa will make several appearances throughout the day.
The excitement begins bright and early with the Firehouse Breakfast with Santa from 7 to 11 a.m. at the Harrison Avenue Station. Families can gather for a hearty meal and a chance to chat with the man in red.
At 9 a.m., enthusiastic participants can lace up their sneakers for the Jingle Rush 5K Run/Walk at Cottage Grove High School. Meanwhile, the Dr. Snapp House Holiday Bazaar, which offers unique crafts and gifts, will open its doors at 360 S. River Rd. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., the Armory at 628 E. Washington Ave. transforms into a bustling hub with the Holiday Bazaar and Season of Giving Fundraiser. Just a stone’s throw away, the South Valley Winter Market will also run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., presenting a perfect opportunity to shop local and support community vendors.
As the sun sets, the day will become musical with the Winter Worship Concert at the Cottage Grove High School Cafetorium from 4 to 6 p.m. The interfaith concert, organized by the nonprofit South Lane Concerts, will combine contemporary worship with traditional Christmas songs. As a fundraiser, the Cottage Grove High School Culinary Arts Students will sell refreshments. A collection will also take place during the concert for Toys for Tots.
Then, from 5 to 9 p.m., families can stroll through the Walking in a Winter Wonderland at the Cottage Grove Speedway.
At 5:30 p.m., churches in the area will come together to offer soup and cider at All America City Square. Two activities will kick off at the same time: a Christmas Tree Raffle, where attendees can purchase tickets for a chance to win a beautifully decorated tree, and the highly anticipated arrival of Santa, who will light the Community Christmas Tree in Trailhead Park at 5:40 p.m.
The evening continues with Christmas carols filling the air in All America City Square at 6 p.m., followed by the enchanting Stained Glass & Candlelight experience at the Cottage Grove Museum from 6 to 7:30 p.m. For those looking to get creative, a Wreath Making Workshop will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at 818b E. Main St., although pre-registration is required.
As the clock approaches 7:30 p.m., everyone will gather back at All America City Square to announce the Christmas Tree Raffle winners, rounding out a joyful day filled with community spirit and holiday cheer.
In Creswell …
The Creswell Chamber of Commerce’s upcoming annual Creswell Winter Lights event will occur downtown on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The vendor market, which will showcase handmade goods at the Community Center at 99 S. 1st St., will be a practical highlight of the event to find gifts and crafts for loved ones. Local vendors will offer a wide array of goods at the Holiday Market. Highlights include Sweet and Wicked Treatshop’s hot chocolate bombs, Tiny Babe Co. organic kids’ clothing, and Lola B Fiber Art’s crocheted gifts.
Attendees can also look forward to a visit from Santa, with photo opportunities from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Photos with Santa will be available at the Community Center, where photographers from Creswell High School will be on hand.
In addition, Creswell High School’s Bulldog Market will operate from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., featuring student entrepreneurs and products created through the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program.
As usual, Stories and Crafts with Mrs. Claus will be held at the Creswell Library from 1 to 3 p.m. The event will also host a variety of musical performances, including the Oregon Tuba Ensemble from 1 to 2 p.m. and performances by the Creswell Middle School Choir and Creswell Community Singers in the afternoon.
The night closes out with the Light Parade at 5 p.m., which runs down Oregon Avenue from Creswell Middle School, moving through 1st Street. Musical entertainment is followed nearby on Oregon Avenue and First Street.
If you are interested in volunteering or participating in the parade or vendor marketplace, contact Michelle Melvin at 541-895-4398 or [email protected]. More info: CreswellChamber.com.
This writer used An AI tool to summarize parts of the schedule information in this article.
