Christmas lights parade set for Saturday

Everybody loves a parade, especially if it involves Christmas lights.

A stressful election season had Paige Lake, Nicci Bergseng, and Kaelee Dearmore daydreaming about an altogether, much happier season: Christmas.

While talking, Dearmore and Bergseng learned that Lake at one time had been involved in organizing the inaugural Lighted Tractor Parade in Centralia.

“It was a nice community event,” Lake said. “It brought people into town to celebrate their rural agricultural history.”

Why can’t we do that here? The three wondered. So they set about making it happen.

Besides, Dearmore and Bergseng already had the horses. It was enough to start a parade.

I’m pretty sure it’s going to rain,” Lake warned, “but I think it’s going to be fun.”

Bring an umbrella or sit in your car, just come and watch, or participate in, the lighted boats on trailers, lawnmowers, walkers with dogs, and at least one parade float from Wahkiakum Blooms go by.

The parade will go round the Elochoman Slough Marina and starts at 6 p.m. this Saturday.

There will be free hot chocolate and popcorn provided by Hotel Cathlamet and Andy Lea at the Marina Pavilion. River Mile 38 will be selling hot dogs, and Maria’s will open the taco shack at the marina for the event.

There are applications available in stores and shops and other places all over the county for anyone who wants to participate.

“I already have more applications than we had for our first parade in Centralia,” Lake said.

For more information, contact Paige Lake at 360-269-6737 or paigelake101@gmail.com.