Marc Hutt, president and CEO of Historic Downtown Woodland Group stated that all of this was done to promote downtown business and distinguish Woodland from the surrounding towns and cities.
This event was created by the Historic Downtown Woodland Group and Visit Woodland. Officials from the city also collaborated with Woodland Hoteliers Group and Visit Woodland. The parade will begin at 5 p.m. on West Street from 3rd St., and it is expected to continue until 7 p.m. Heritage Plaza will host a tree lighting at 7 p.m.
Hutt said holiday events will take place from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. and will feature local bands, Santa Claus visiting, a snowmaking machine and a Sno Shack Truck selling shaved Ice, trees, wreaths, and other items for sale by the local Boy Scouts troop. There will also be Disney character photo opportunities, a tractor-ride down Main Street, and many more.
Al Eby, owner and member of Blue Wing Gallery, stated that he felt this was an opportunity for him to embrace Woodland’s spirit of coming together to make things happen.
Eby stated that he has wanted to organize this parade for at most 15 years, but has never tried to do so out of respect for the Chamber of Commerce’s annual Holiday Parade.
The parade was cancelled for the second year in succession due to the coronavirus epidemic. He thought now was the best time to organize it.
Eby stated that she wanted something smaller and more holiday-like. Eby explained that he doesn’t want people to feel they have to abandon this parade and that he isn’t looking to replace it. This was what Woodland is all about. It’s a community that gathers when there is a need.
Eby created the parade because it keeps the spotlight on downtown businesses that have suffered tremendously from the pandemic.
He stressed that “We all want to keep things moving and the business owners were super excited for what’s next.” “We have some incredible people downtown who really support us and help get the word out.”
Hutt stated that there are currently 40 floats lit up from West and Main streets to downtown, and 3rd and Main.
Hutt said that volunteers are needed to help with activities on the tents.
He invites all interested parties to contact him at 707-3466-7969.
More information about the parade and holiday tree lighting is available at visitwoodland.com/festival-of-lights-parade.
Follow Visit Woodland’s social media to get updates about the parade and cancellations due weather.
Eby stated that “We’re just gonna come alive with people downtown.” “I want everyone to know that we will get through this, and Woodland will continue moving in the right direction,” Eby said.