VALE — Vale’s first-ever Christmas Light Parade is set to kick off at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10.
The event, sponsored by the Malheur Enterprise and the Vale Chamber of Commerce, will be organized by members of the Vale Community Coalition.
According to Tom Vialpando, Vale’s mayor, the idea for the parade came partly from responses from a park survey. Karlene Keller, a member of the Vale Community Coalition, said the parade is an excellent way to kick off the holidays and a great way to bring people together.
“There is so much contention, even in our own community. We are constantly thinking of things to put smiles on people’s faces and bring the community together,” said Keller.
Keller said people could decorate trucks, tractors, floats, horses and ATVs with lights and participate in the parade. The only condition is each entry must be decorated with lights.
“Whatever you have that you want to decorate up with lights, come on down,” said Keller.
According to Keller, those in the parade will form at the Vale High School tennis courts at 5 p.m. She said there are nine entries so far and people are still welcome to enter the parade. She said there is no charge to enter. There will be a first, second and third place prize awarded.
From the high schol, the parade will move down A Street West and finish at Bixby’s Stopitoff Coffee.
“We want everyone to have fun,” said Keller.
Vialpando said the parade would be a good way to support the community.
“And I love Christmas time and this is something that doesn’t cost a lot of money to do. It’s about coming out and being in the community,” he said.
Keller said the theme of the parade is grateful and blessed.
For more information about the parade, contact Keller at 541-881-7861.
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