CRESWELL – Christmas magic sprinkled its sparkles over the City of Creswell last Saturday when the 22nd annual Creswell Winter Lights Festival spread holiday cheer.
The Creswell Chamber of Commerce hosted the yearly event, and an estimated 500 people lined Oregon Avenue from 1st through 7th Street for the big show.
“This is probably the biggest turnout I’ve seen,” said one regular attendee.
Kids ran in and out of the street playing catch, practicing cartwheels, and laughing with friends before the parade started. Folks bundled up in layers with blankets to stay warm in the sub-50-degree weather, and neighbors watched the parade from the comfort of their porch with a small fire.
The Creswell Grange had its doors open for a vintage, craft, and bake sale. The Creswell Historical Museum was also open for folks to warm up before and after the parade. Festive tunes played on almost every street corner, either from store radios or live performances that were scattered throughout the town.
“It gets bigger every year, for sure,” said Michelle Mervin, communication specialist with the Creswell Chamber.
PHOTOS BY CRAIG STROBECK / THE CHRONICLE
The start of the Community Festival of Lights Parade could be heard before it was seen, as a semi truck blared its horn while it made its way from the Creswell Middle School parking lot onto Oregon Ave. Excited squeals from children eager for candy filled the vapor visible as it left their mouths in the cold air.
PHOTOS BY CRAIG STROBECK / THE CHRONICLE
“It’s really nice to have everybody kind of be out in the streets,” Mervin said. “It went really well.”
Utility trucks decked out in countless holiday lights, local business vehicles, Boy and Girl Scout troops, the Cottage Grove Rodeo, a line of vintage slug bugs, the Family Relief Nursery, folks in giant chicken costumes, numerous Grinches, carolers, Slugo, and Santa and Mrs. Claus all cruised down the road.
“It was super special,” Mervin said.
Nearby food trucks served up tacos, barbecue, sweets, and warm drinks like coffee and cocoa. Other events included a Holiday Market at the Creswell Community Center with a wide variety of vendors, the Creswell Presbyterian Women’s Country Store Christmas, and the Creswell High School Bulldog Holiday Market.
