Cracker Christmas Parade Arrives Saturday

    The biggest day of the year in Umatilla arrives on Saturday, December 10, when the annual Cracker Christmas Celebration returns to downtown. Featuring a parade on SR 19 through downtown and an all-day arts and crafts show in Cadwell Park, the event, now in its 47th year, serves as Umatilla’s largest celebration of the holiday.
   The fun begins at 9 a.m., when the annual Dog Jog takes to the northbound lanes of SR 19. The public is invited to bring their vaccinated pooch and join the fun, as decorated walkers are welcome for the four-legged fun. To enter the Dog Jog, call event coordinators Lake Land Kennels at 352-669-6960, or simply bring your dog to the Mebane Street area Saturday morning. Proof of vaccination is required to participate.
   Following the Dog Jog, at 9:30 a.m., the annual Christmas parade rolls off from the Southside Ball Park, heading north on SR 19. The parade runs to Bulldog Lane, with viewers welcome to line both sides of the road.
   Event organizers, the Umatilla Chamber of Commerce and the City of Umatilla, put out the call this week reminding parade watchers to make sure children stay at the curbs along the road, to ensure the safety of the little ones during the parade.
   After the parade, the public is invited to walk one block east to Cadwell Park, where an arts and crafts show will convene and feature dozens of vendors offering a variety of Christmas gift items. Live performances will include the Umatilla Elementary School chorus and the Umatilla High School band.   Additionally, food vendors will be providing a variety of refreshments.
   To learn more or to enter the parade, call the Umatilla Chamber of Commerce at 352-669-3511.