In its 55th year, the Springfield Christmas Parade is a time-honored community tradition the Springfield citizens anticipate every year. It has gained the notable reputation of being the “oldest and coldest” (and sometimes “wettest”) parade in Oregon. There have been years of sunny and dry weather, but so far the “damper and frostier” reputation still maintains.
Many community efforts have focused on keeping the parade up and going through the years. Usually to a crowd of 8-10,000 or more along the parade route, it has opened the holiday season for our local families, friends and all the children on that Saturday in December. Up to 5 years ago, the Springfield Chamber of Commerce had been the major energy behind the hosting of the Parade each year. In 2002, the Springfield Community Parade Corporation was formed by 5 local citizens with the express purpose of continuing the parade’s community tradition. Since that year, the SCPC has hosted the Springfield Christmas Parade with the help and support of generous donations of time and money from local sponsors, both commercial and private.
It began in 1953 with the majority of the floats being handmade and a “family affair”. Through the years, floats and decorated cars, lots of decorated horses and other animals, along with the marching units of bands and dancers, and more, have all entered in the community spirit of our grand parade. Handmade and family entries are still as much a part of the parade today as the more detailed and fancier floats. In 1954, “Santa and Reindeer to Visit Springfield” made the headlines of the local paper. In 1955, there were 26 floats – compared to recent numbers of almost 100 entries. The parade has continued consistently each year all the way up to today. We have yet to confirm notice of a parade that was cancelled, although there is a rumor that one year that slick roads put the parade “on ice”. Many organizations in recent years have set up their floats to collect toys and food along the parade route for sharing with the community during the rest of the season.
A Grand Marshal is chosen each year to lead the parade. They have ranged from individual community figures to an entire marching band. Springfield High School Marching Band hasn’t missed a year of marching in the parade and they were honored as Grand Marshals in 2002. This year, our Grand Marshals are the members of the “Springfield Renaissance Development Corporation”, a non profit organization formed several years ago and whose most visible achievement to date is the fund-raising for and complete renovation of the Wildish Theatre in downtown Springfield. After Springfield’s Mayor cuts the ribbon to open the parade, look for the Grand Marshal behind the Antique Police Car and Honor Guard Posse.
In 2001, the Tuba Carol Concert was added to the city’s Saturday festivities. This concert is one of the longest running events of its type in America. 60–80 tubas and euphoniums play traditional, and some non-traditional, Christmas and holiday music for a captive audience downtown. Since 2001, on Main Street between 5th and 6th, “oom pah pah’s” have begun the day’s festive air preliminary to the appearance of the parade itself.
This year the SCPC is having its ‘First Annual Window Decorating Contest’ for the businesses along the parade route. Staying in the context of a holiday theme, we hope to see lots of businesses join in the fun of “dressing up” Springfield for the holidays, and having a chance to win ‘The Prize’ for “Best Decorated Window”.
It’s the Springfield Community Spirit at its best – from parade participants …to parade watchers …to holiday spirit …to the Christmas music …to the cold and happy faces …to the waving hands …to the marching bands and animals …to families and friends …to the sound of fire trucks …to the scouts…to the snuggly scarves and mittens …to all our city police and fire personnel …to the many organizations and businesses who take part …to all the volunteers …to the joy of a community …to the shared hugs and smiles …and last, but not least, to the “hohoho’s” of Santa who makes a brief visit to Springfield every year at the end of the parade…..we thank Springfield for its un-ending support all these years …we look forward to another 55 years of community…..and more!
