In winter, when it’s dark by dinner, holiday lights are especially beautiful. The Pacific Northwest is known for its greenery but as December rolls around, we can twinkle with spectacular colors alongside the best of them. On December 5, join friends and neighbors for the annual Lacey Lighted Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting and kick the season off right.
The Parade starts at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, December 5. It travels north on Sleater Kinney from Lacey Boulevard to 7th Avenue SE past Huntamer Park. There is viewing all along the route, but most of the crowd gathers along 7th Avenue SE near the park. Following the parade, everyone joins the North Pole’s finest in lighting up the entire park for the holidays.
Christmas Comes to Lacey in a Parade of Music, Dance and NBC’s the Voice
“Thousands come out each year to view the Parade and enjoy the lighting of Huntamer Park,” says Special Events and Cultural Recreation Supervisor Jeannette Sieler. “The Parade is a vehicle parade, although we do have the River Ridge High School Marching band, North Thurston High School dance team, and the Timberline Dance Team participating on foot. The band has been a part of the Parade every year.”
With more than 40 entries in this year’s event, staff are happy to welcome the Capital Lakefair float and even a miniature horse to the 2022 lineup. Also appearing will be Lacey singer Grace Bello, a recent contestant on NBC’s “The Voice.” You can watch her recent blind audition which earned a coveted 4-Chair Turn and earned high praise from all the judges when her episode aired October 4, 2022.
Santa and Mrs. Claus Bring Goodies Galore to Lacey’s Huntamer Park
No holiday kick-off would be complete without an appearance by the man and woman of the hour. Santa and Mrs. Claus ride as grand marshals of the Parade, then mingle and pose for photos afterwards at Huntamer Park.
Sieler and fellow co-workers always have a few surprises up their sleeves. This year is no different as they’ll be handing out free Christmas 3D glasses. “They will make the light display even cooler! And, people can enjoy them all season long, wherever there are Christmas lights,” she says. “They will be available at the Lacey Parks tent next to the stage, while supplies last.” Look for other exciting surprises throughout the park!
And no get-together (holiday or otherwise!) is complete without food. There will be several fan-favorite vendors with tasty treats including espresso, hot dogs, kettle corn, and even ice cream, which was “super popular last year,” laughs Sieler. Sunbreak Church will also be handing out free hand-warming hot cocoa near the Park’s gate.
Christmas Spirit Abounds in Helpful Elf Volunteers and Sponsors
The Parade started in 2016, during the City’s 50th anniversary. It was a great addition to the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, which began in 1996. “The old-fashioned ceremony is brief, but fun! It includes music with the River Ridge High School Band and culminates with the flipping of the giant candy cane switch to turn on the lights in the park,” says Sieler. “This year our honored guest, Ruth Weigelt, the recent winner of the Spirit of Lacey award, will flip the switch.”
But prepping for all the fun takes time, creativity, and a willingness to serve. Interstate Batteries has been a sponsor of the Parade since its inception. “We also appreciate all of the great businesses and organizations and even some individuals who participate to make this event amazing,” says Sieler. “Each year I’ve seen more and more creativity in the entries with their use of lights and displays. I can’t wait to see what they come up with this year!”
Other City departments also step up to help. “I also want to give a shout out to the Lacey Public Works staff who decorate the Park, provide the fun reindeer truck, and organize the synchronized reindeer/lawn mower team that is always a big hit in the Parade! Lacey Police Department and Public Works streets division help with the route and safety, and Fire District #3 provides the Santa mobile,” says Sieler.
Find other City of Lacey happenings on their events calendar or sign up for email notifications on a variety of topics. There’s even a Latest in Lacey YouTube channel to keep you informed and up to date. Then dig out your warm coat, fuzzy hat, winter gloves, and thick socks before finding the perfect spot on the parade route. Santa can’t wait to say hi!
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