Honoring the City of Yelm’s centennial anniversary, the Yelm Chamber of Commerce aims to bring “100 years of Christmas cheer” to the annual Christmas in the Park parade, which begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7.
Tina Richardson, Yelm Chamber of Commerce executive director, said, so far, 25 participants signed up to participate in the annual Christmas in the Park parade and to compete for prizes for best floats and entries.
“I expect energy, fun and excitement. I think this is different from the last parade even. People were constantly asking me when we were opening up for the next parade, and that was exciting,” Richardson said. “You’ve seen an even flow in both directions, but just to see the city and the people in the community getting excited about it has been great.
She said, from start to finish, the theme is 100 years of Christmas cheer.
“We’re hoping that gets celebrated and enjoyed by our community,” she added.
Richardson added the participants’ competitiveness and effort in decorating their floats brings a level of fun and excitement to the parade. She said a panel of judges will honor the top parade participants in the community.
Richardson knows it might be challenging for some community members to get out to the streets to celebrate Christmas in the Park with potential winter weather looming, but she said, rain or shine, she’ll be out to celebrate the annual Yelm tradition.
“Our hearts are going to show up no matter how much rain, no matter how much snow, because it’s worth it to us, no matter how cold it is, that we’re going to buckle down and make this event happen. We hope the community meets us with that same energy because I know they will. I feel such a level of excitement from people in this community that makes me so excited to be part of this,” Richardson said. “As a child, I remember one of the staples for me was always going to Christmas in the Park and watching the parade and being part of that. We’re trying to get that same nostalgic feel and maintain it. I don’t know how long Yelm has been doing the parade, but it’s been around for a while.”
She also said a lot of people helped make sure Christmas in the Park is a fun and successful weekend from start to finish. On Friday, Dec. 6, the City of Yelm will host its Christmas in the Park tree-lighting ceremony and allow for free pictures with Santa afterward.
Then, on Saturday, Dec. 7, the Chamber of Commerce will host the annual Christmas in the Park parade, which begins at the intersection of Park Prairie Street Southeast and East Yelm Avenue. It will continue down East Yelm Avenue toward Yelm City Park, where it concludes. It will be followed by a lineup of free activities at Yelm City Park including activities and games, free hot dogs and cocoa provided by Mr. Dougs, and performances by local bands, choirs and other performers.
“There’s no one organization, no one person who can put this on. The fact that so many people have stepped up to help has been amazing. I’m seeing a lot of people step up. Maybe people don’t get to see that, but it’s one of the most powerful things to see,” Richardson said. “There’s a couple new people helping out in different aspects. This whole hometown feel is what we love. The next day, on Sunday, Dec. 8, Yelm turns 100 years old. That whole weekend will celebrate the 100-year mark for us, and we’re hoping the parade adds to the momentum, excitement and pride that Yelm has for itself within the community.
“Because of certain things that’ve shifted as far as long-standing traditions, we’ve had to fill in gaps. There’s an extra level of gratitude that people are stepping in and stepping up to make this happen,” Richardson continued. “We’re coming together, even when we’re meeting at the committee level with the city, myself and other volunteers. We knew we’d make it happen. We felt that this is our town, and we’re always going to represent the best of Yelm and the best of the heart of this city.”
At 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9, at Yelm Cinemas, Jared Potter’s Yelm Centennial Documentary Premiere will take place to highlight and honor residents within the city and share the stories, memories and traditions that make the city special.
“They’re opening up more tickets for the movie. They sold out, and now they’re just going to sell as many tickets as they can,” Richardson said. “It’s getting more buzz and excitement than they anticipated. It’s such a powerful way to celebrate and highlight all the years of Yelm, all the richness, the history, the depth. I’m super excited about seeing it myself.”
Follow the Yelm Chamber of Commerce on Facebook to stay up to date with new announcements regarding the Christmas in the Park Parade or any other events.
