For many years, McMinnville has held a parade the day after Thanksgiving to welcome Santa to town. Various groups parade down Third Street and at the end of the parade, the giant sequoia in City Park is lit.
Throughout those years, the McMinnville Garden Club has marched in the parade. We decorate rakes(use the smaller lighter ones) with greenery, tinsel, lights and whatever you want. We decorate hats in the same manner. We don warm red sweaters or sweatshirts and white gloves. We have white sashes that read “Rakettes “.
We gather beforehand at the Golden Valley Brew Pub. Many like to fortify themselves with a hot rum toddy. The parade takes about an hour and the spectators who line the route enjoy watching us marching by.
So far five people have signed up to participate. This year the McMinnville Downtown Association is charging $40 per entry.
Please consider coming out on the day after Thanksgiving (the 29th this year) and joining us. I know a lot of people are traveling or have out of town guests. It is only a couple hours. Your grandchildren will adore watching you go by.
If we do not get several more volunteers, we probably will not participate this year. It would be a shame to abandon our long-time tradition and it is a lot of fun.
Please let Dolly, Sandra S. or Elaine know if you are joining us.
