SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (KMTR) -- Ushering in the Christmas season, a gathering of thousands on the streets of
Springfield on Saturday.
The city’s 58th annual Christmas Parade marched down Olympic, Mohawk and Main Streets today with a theme of “Through the Eyes of a Child”
Around 80 different groups took part, including Santa who picked a Springfield Utility Board cherry picker to ride in this year.
Participants say the parade is a testament of the city’s neighborly community feel.
“This just shows how tight-knit of a community we are that we can come out on a Saturday in the cold and have a great time,” said Sean VanGordon, a Springfield City Councilor.
A Springfield resident, Debbie Luttrell has come to the parade for several years running now.
“It's part of Christmas, Christmas can get here until the parade gets here,” said Luttrell.
Marching as part of the newly minted Eugene-Springfield Fire Department was Fire Chief Randy Groves.
“Brings people together from across the community beyond the two cities, this is a chance for our whole area to come together and just have a good time,” said Groves.
Another Springfield resident, McKenzie Pratt makes it a point to visit the parade each year as well.
“I think I'm gonna come here in my future every year, I really enjoy it,” said Pratt.
A big thank you to the dozens of people helping NewsSource 16 and Les Schwab along the parade route. Together, community members helped fill 2 truck beds full of new toys for foster kids in Lane County.
