Parade steps off at 5 p.m. from in front of the library, followed by the Grand Illumination
By Morgan Rothborne, Ashland.news
The 32nd annual Festival of Light parade will light up downtown Ashland this Friday as the beginning of a series of events to continue through the holiday season, according to a release from the Ashland Chamber of Commerce.
The A&M Brass Band will begin the event by playing from the Brickroom Balcony with Santa’s Parade and the Grand Illumination to follow, according to the release. At the end of the parade, Santa will be available at the Brickroom and any remaining crowds will be invited to sing holiday songs with Greg Capp, according to the release.
Beginning at 5 p.m. in front of the Ashland Public Library, the parade will move west along East Main Street into the Plaza. East Main Street between Gresham and Water streets will be closed from 3 until 7 p.m., according to the release.
The festival will lead to some temporary street closures Friday, Nov. 29, according to a release from the Ashland Police Department.
Lithia Way will temporarily become a two-way street to accommodate traffic in the downtown corridor during the parade. Vehicles left parked in the closed areas of downtown will be towed starting at 3 p.m. and all these areas will be posted no parking tow zones prior to the event, the release said.
“The City of Ashland Police Department wishes all a safe and enjoyable holiday season,” the release said.
Continued holiday festivities in Ashland will include carolers performing downtown Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 2 p.m. “through the holiday season,” while lights and decorations will remain up until Jan. 6, the release said.
Beginning Nov. 30, the chamber, in partnership with Evergreen Federal Bank, will launch a “Santa’s Scavenger Hunt,” throughout Ashland. To participate, pick up a card at the Ashland Chamber Office or download one from its website. Those who complete the hunt and enter to win may be chosen to a “family fun prize,” in January, the release said.
To support local small businesses during the busiest shopping season of the year, the Chamber offers Ashland Chamber gift certificates redeemable at more than 50 local businesses. Certificates are available for purchase on the chamber website.
Saturday, Nov. 30, also begins a promotion to win a gift certificate lasting through Dec. 30. To participate, text SHOP to 1-855-525-0703 and, with every purchase at a local Ashland small business, text a photo of the receipt to this number, according to the release.
For more information on the Festival and other seasonal events in Ashland, visit the Ashland Chamber of Commerce website.
Email Ashland.news reporter Morgan Rothborne at morganr@ashland.news.
Nov. 27: Corrected name of event to Festival of Light (not Lights).
