Priceless Holiday Memories are Made at Montesano’s Festival of Lights

 

Montesano Festival of Lights parade downtown
Don’t miss this dazzling parade of lights. Photo courtesy: Festival of Lights

Priceless Holiday Memories are Made at Montesano’s Festival of Lights December 7-9

The holidays have officially here and that means everything from yule logs and parties to extravagantly decorated homes and lots of cookies for all to enjoy. Something especially bright is the Festival of Lights weekend hosted by Montesano that brings everyone together for some Christmas time merriment. Don’t miss out on the festivities planned for Friday, December 7 through Sunday, December 9. There is something new and fun to check out this year with the Jingle Lights light show that used to be done in Central Park, now happening during the Festival of Lights.
Montesano Festival of Lights parade log trucks
Watch a whole city light up in colorful colors as the Festival of Lights parade makes its way through Montesano on December 8. Photo courtesy: Festival of Lights

“The city of Montesano purchased the equipment and so they’re running that show at Fleet Park,” Leslie Goings, Festival of Lights parade chair says. “Each weekend, there’s a different non-profit. So, they’re asking for donations and then that non-profit for that weekend will get the proceeds.”

Sometimes there is a specific theme for the festival, but this year they are keeping it traditional with a theme of “lights” to welcome aboard the Jingle Lights show and for everyone to twinkle brightly during the parade. “We decided not to do a sub-theme, we’re sticking with the Festival of Lights,” says Goings. “Part of it is it has been so specific over the last couple of years that we wanted to let some of the participants reuse some of their decorations, but also with Jingle Lights coming this year we really wanted to focus on lights.”

The magic of the season comes through in Montesano this time of year as people help each other to bring alive the spirit of the holidays. A committee works tirelessly to put on the festival, but dozens of people also help through doing everything from decorating to hosting events.  Further, the event is made possible by a generous grant from the Grays Harbor County Department of Fair, Events and Tourism.

“It’s pretty much a city-wide effort,” shares Goings. “The city and public works department, they put up the garland around town, and each business is responsible for doing their own decorating. And then we have just a lot of support, whether it’s monetary sponsorships or donations. Everyone just kind of works together.”

A huge crowd of 13,000 came to town for the parade last year and with new entries coming onto the scene this year, it’ll be even bigger. “We have quite a few new participants this year that I’m excited about,” says Goings, commenting that businesses such as the Extreme Fun Center and Home Depot are coming along with the usual groups that always have dazzling displays.  Read more here:  http://www.thurstontalk.com/2018/11/25/priceless-holiday-memories-are-made-at-montesanos-festival-of-lights-december-7-9/