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CRESWELL — A fleet of pastel-hued Volkswagens enveloped in Christmas lights; the Grinch humorously wagging his finger at parade attendees; Santa and Mrs. Claus waving jubilantly down Oregon Ave. and 7th through 1st St.: the 21st annual Creswell Winter Lights parade had something for everyone.
On Saturday, Dec. 14, residents and tourists alike took to the packed line-up of festive activities, which included an all-day holiday market, complimentary Creswell Historical Museum tours with cozy beverages, and photos with Santa, to name a few. The light parade was the day’s sparkling culmination.
Friendly City local Hanna Abshere was excited to take in the evening’s floats and the merry energy around town.
“I don’t know that I really have a favorite part. I enjoy watching all of the lights go by and the camaraderie of the community,” Abshere said.
Eugene residents Emma Bradway and Magnolia Makyadath attended Creswell’s Fourth of July parade and were eager to return for their first Winter Lights event.
Arlo Bradway, Bradway’s son, enthusiastically shared that he was looking forward to seeing “everybody” in the procession. It was predicted that both Weslee Makyadath, Makyadath’s son, and Arlo would be “in it for the candy.”
It was also Brett Mauldin of Cottage Grove’s first year getting in on the action, but from a sleigh instead of the sidewalk.
Donning a Grinch costume, Mauldin embraced the opportunity to unite his love of promoting the Western Oregon Exposition Heritage Fair and the holiday season. His favorite part of the parade is the sense of shared enthusiasm.
“I’m a people person. I like being in a community of people. To see everybody happy for the holidays, and a lot of people that are involved, and even the people that show up to watch the parade with their kids,” Mauldin said.
The W.O.E. Fair takes place every third weekend in August, promising three days of “Fun, exhibits, and community spirit,” according to its website.
Participants can expect family-friendly entertainment, from lively musical performances and games to logging shows and livestock exhibits.
Mauldin recalls his grandparents having a booth at the W.O.E. fairgrounds. Upon serving on the community board, he now hopes to excite more kids about plugging in at events hosted at the fairgrounds and felt that Creswell’s festivities allowed him to do just that.
“Hopefully, one day, it can be like it used to be when I was younger,” Mauldin said.
As the 21st year of holiday fun in Creswell comes to a close, one can rest assured that twinkling lights weren’t the only thing that shone – rather, the magic of community.
