The 22nd Downtown Twice Around Christmas Parade and Community Tree Lighting was a night of smiles and lights! The December 4th attendance again topped previous years as folks gathered to enjoy a nice evening with just a short sprinkle toward the end of the parade.
With a record 41 entries, there was much to enjoy. From playful costumed characters and classic cars to the Albany historic fire truck and Chafin Farm’s horse-drawn wagon this year’s entries set a playful tone and a nod to the early days in Historic Downtown Albany. The entries also included dogs, horses, roller skaters, a limo and even a hot tub! The honor of carrying the parade banner went to our 2022 Excellence in Downtown Award Business of the Year winner, Emma Downtown.
Congratulations to our parade winners:
1st Place – Powering the Spirit of Christmas – Pacific Power
2nd Place – Another Holiday VIP – Dustin Berry & Family
3rd Place – Santa’s Sleigh – Dave Sears Family and Friends (19th year in the parade)
Our amazing judges were three of our ADA 2022 Excellence in Downtown Award winners: Stoked 2 Sk8, owners Diane & Josh Slamp, The Squeaky Cork owners Kristi & Josh Crawford and Margin Coffee Roasters owners Marilla & Gabe Anderson.
Following the parade, thousands gathered at the Community Christmas Tree to celebrate the season, joined South
Albany High School in singing carols, played in the Albany Visitors Association’s “snow” and cheered on the tree lighting. Mayor Alex Johnson II and Santa lit the tree with the help a local youth and many fun character from Party Perfection Oregon, while listening to music courtesy of Glenn’s Mobile DJ. Photos by Kristi Crawford Photography
