Last winter, the Parks & Recreation Department was looking for ways to bring our community together while staying safe. We knew that large gatherings were out, but the need to connect was stronger than ever. Over our dark rainy winter, it was clear we all needed some brightness, and the Tualatin Holiday Lights Parades were born! Festively decorated vehicles, led by the Tualatin Police Department, Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue, Mayor Bubenik, and some of the City’s biggest utility trucks paraded through neighborhood streets to the delight the people watching. Of course, the best part of the parade was that it included not only City vehicles, but 90 lucky Tualatin residents also decked out their cars and trucks to be part of this new tradition.
The response to these parades was overwhelming. Neighbors waved and cheered, and children (and even some adults!) jumped for joy at the sight. As one person commented “I felt like a kid again!! A day later and I’m still smiling!!” All of us at the Parks and Recreation Department feel the same way and we can’t wait to bring the parades back again this year.
In 2021, the light parades will return on December 4, 11, and 18. Sign up to join the parade with your decorated vehicle, or cheer us on along one of the routes. The first 50 people to sign up to join the parade will receive a free auto light-up starter kit which includes an A/C adapter and 1 string of LED lights.
Learn more at the City’s website: tualatinoregon.gov/recreation/holiday-lights-parade.
