SPRINGFIELD – The beloved Oldest & Coldest Parade is set to light up the streets of Downtown Springfield on Saturday, Dec. 6, inspiring the festive spirit of Christmas for its 73rd year. Meanwhile, Cottage Grove’s annual Christmas Kickoff celebration also is scheduled for this weekend.
The Oregon Riders Society, a nonprofit organization that aims to help families and children in need, has been hosting the Oldest & Coldest Parade in Springfield for nine years. Brenda Hughey, president of the society, said viewers can expect around 100 parade entries to cruise the streets of Springfield.
The Springfield Police Department and mounted posse will open the “Enchanted snowman forest” themed parade at 1 p.m. at 21st and Olympic streets, and follow the route to Pioneer Parkway and Main Street in downtown.
Hughey said a few of the parade participants include a marching band, the Cottage Grove Speedway, and a group of 100 Girl Scouts celebrating 100 years of service. Mid Valley Cruisers will be there, donating toys and bikes to families.
Due to recent raids involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Hispanic dancing teams and their horses will not be participating in this year’s event, “which are always a public favorite,” said Hughey.
The parade route starts at 21st and Olympic streets, goes down Mohawk Boulevard, and ends on Main Street near Pioneer Parkway. There is typically a mix of folks standing and sitting in lawn chairs, snuggled up in blankets and festive garb.
In such proximity to local shops, Adam Tamarkin, director of communications for the Springfield Chamber, said this weekend is an opportunity to shop local.
“Parade Day is a great opportunity to explore Springfield’s shops and restaurants, fueling our local economy and building a stronger, more connected community,” Tamarkin said. “We love the Oldest & Coldest parade. Local businesses and organizations have helped sustain this Springfield tradition for decades, and we encourage parade-goers to make it a full day – warm up with a coffee, grab a bite to eat, and pick up some holiday gifts along the route.”
Hughey added folks should plan to “Get there early because candy and children’s books are handed out before the event starts. … And bring an umbrella because it looks like it’s going to be raining again this year.”
Christmas in the Grove
“There is nothing better than our small town Christmas Kickoff, where community, businesses, and volunteers come together to celebrate,” said Georgia Haskell, Chamber CEO, who is gearing up for the activities on Dec. 6.
To start the day, a Jingle Rush 5k will take place bright and early at the high school at 9 a.m. at 1375 S. River Rd. This year, the annual South Lane County Fire & Rescue Breakfast with Santa at the Firehouse is missing from the lineup due to staffing challenges.
After the run, folks can shop local at the Kickoff to Christmas Holiday Bazaar at the Armory at 628 E. Washington Ave. The South Valley Winter Market will be open at the same time at 709 E. Main St., where folks can purchase holiday gifts.
When the sun goes down – which is pretty early nowadays – the 12th annual Stained Glass and Candlelight Holiday tradition will be held at the Cottage Grove Museum. Starting at 5:30 p.m., folks can view the museum’s historic stained-glass windows under dimmed lights while a museum tour guide offers a window-by-window presentation focusing on the symbolism of each design. Light refreshments will be provided at this free event at 147 N. H St.
During the Stained Glass and Candlelight Holiday, a tree raffle and lighting ceremony will take place downtown at 7th and Main streets. The South Lane School District Choir will be at the Armory during this time, which is Haskell’s favorite event.
“My favorite part of the kickoff is when Santa lights the tree, and the choir begins to sing; you can really feel the magic,” Haskell said.
Christmas carols will round out the night at 6 p.m. in the All-American Square, and the raffle drawing will be at 7:30 p.m. to reveal the winner.
Creswell will host its own celebration next weekend. Read that story here.
