Rescheduled from Dec. 3rd due to rain forecast.
After a two year hiatus due to the pandemic, we are happy to announce the return of Guerneville’s Holiday Parade of Lights, sponsored by the Russian River Alliance and Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, in partnership with the Russian River Chamber of Commerce.
This year’s theme will be a very Fairy Christmas, so bring your fairy lights and wings.
Guerneville, occasionally in the news because of winter river flooding or fires, is the largest town (population about 5,000) in the lower Russian River and has a reputation as quirky and funky, a haven for gays and hippies. Its eclectic residents embrace diversity and exude small-town friendliness and charm.
This year, Guerneville is back in all its funky glory and will be celebrating the holidays on a grand scale true to Guerneville – kicking of the holiday season with the extravagant annual Parade of Lights, when brightly decorated floats – some serious, some hilarious, some downright outrageous – march down Main Street starting at 7pm on Saturday, December 3rd, 2022.
“If you’ve never been to a Guerneville parade, you’re missing out on one of West County’s greatest delights. I can’t wait for the return of the Parade of Lights — a chance to come together, celebrate the holiday season, and celebrate who we are as a community. I’m thrilled to support the parade with County funding, and can’t wait to see the floats this year!“, said Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, this year’s Grand Marshall.
The parade route runs down Main Street for a two blocks. It takes about an hour to complete the procession with spectator viewing on both sides of the street.
“What do you call an anniversary interrupted by a pandemic? Technically it is the 19th, but should have been the 21st – Since 2001 this parade of lights has brought our community together. Even with Covid behind us, we are still suffering in many ways. We need this. We are back!”, said Bryan Hughes, Board Member of the Russian River Alliance and parade organizer.
It’s a weekend filled with exciting things to do throughout Downtown, from taking care of your holiday shopping to dining out in some of the finest restaurants in Sonoma County, all while enjoying the holiday spirit of the country’s top holiday parade.
“I am absolutely thrilled to see our amazing community bounce back after such trying times. The Parade of Lights is such a wonderful local tradition that brings the community together”, said Mags owner/manager of Boon and Bröt restaurants on Main Street.
Applications for float entries are now being accepted. Applications with parade rules and regulations are available online at https://www.russianriveralliance.org/parade-of-lights, or at Boon Eat and Drink, Bröt, or the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center. The fee is $25.00 per entry and all entries must be received by November 18th, 2022. Applications are online and takes just a minute, but can be dropped off at Boon, Bröt, the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center.
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Downtown Guerneville
Main Street
- Guerneville