A Santa suit was securely fastened over a personal flotation device by a man outside Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe in Bend. He patted it and remarked, It’s also a tummy!
As part of the yearly Holiday Lights Paddle Parade, Santa, or Tim Odell, and his family were getting ready to board a big green raft decked out in tinsel and Christmas lights rather than a sleigh.
What started off as a little get-together of six friends on Mirror Pond about 25 years ago has grown into a parade that draws large crowds as it travels up and down the Deschutes River. An estimated 120 watercraft were on the river in 2023, according to Sue Fox, manager of Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe, which now hosts the event.
Whether someone is an avid paddler or just appreciates the river’s beauty, I believe Bend is a staple of our way of life here, Fox said.
Several dozen bright canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and one raft glided across Bend’s Old Mill District at dusk this year, despite a mix of rain and snow falling throughout the day. More than 200 individuals watched from the bridge and riverbank.
According to a costumed paddler named Old Woman of Winter, “you paddle upstream nice and quiet and then the crowd is there and the people on the banks really complete it.” They are eager to see what we have accomplished, and we are delighted to share it with them, which truly contributes to the lovely atmosphere and community. which is the focus of this season: community.
From their paddleboards, Old Woman of Winter and her companion, The Return of the Sun, glowed vividly in blue and yellow, with halos illuminating their heads. An elf was paddling a boat full of fake poinsettias downstream. On the dark river, a swarm of short whitewater kayaks created a constellation of colored lights.
The guidelines are straightforward for anyone who wish to take part. It is advised that paddlers carry hot beverages on board, but it is discouraged that they drink alcohol until after the paddle is over (no one wants to get dunked in 36-degree water!). Additionally, don’t litter in the river and only use battery-powered lights and decorations.
Continue reading:
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Brighten up your holidays with these regional lighting displays: Holiday Events Guide 2024
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Oregon-inspired ideas for everyone on your list: 2024 holiday gift guide
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Dongzhi parties merge winter solstice with Christmas at Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland
Haley Nelson This is a freelancer from Oregon.
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