News Features

Christmas Parade, Festival Saturday In Umatilla

    It’s the biggest weekend of the year in Umatilla, with the community set to roll out the red carpet for the annual Cracker Christmas Celebration. Slated for Saturday, December 14, the event will feature a dog jog in advance of a morning parade on SR 19, as well as a downtown arts and crafts festival.
   The event, sponsored by the Umatilla Chamber of Commerce and the City of Umatilla, brings thousands of people downtown to participate in the festivities and enjoy a day of pre-Christmas frolic. This year, the parade theme is 'A Cinematic Christmas', with parade entries invited to decorate in the theme of their favorite Christmas movie.
   The parade will form at the Southside Ball Park across from the Florida’s Natural plant and run north to the Bulldog Way intersection in the northbound lane of SR 19. The parade will begin at 9:30 a.m., preceded at 9 a.m. by the annual dog jog, which will begin midway at the Mebane Street intersection. Entry to the dog jog is free, though vaccination documents are required.
   Umatilla’s parade is historically known for its large number of custom floats, and this year is expected to be no different. This year’s parade will see entries from several area 4H groups, businesses, twirling schools, civic organizations, schools, faith groups, equestrian groups, and more.
   After the parade, the public is invited to enjoy a holiday festival hosted in the city green space next to city hall along Lakeside Avenue. Dozens of booths have registered for the event offering Christmas gifts, with additional activities to include a cake walk hosted by the Umatilla High School Band, food provided by the Umatilla High School Culinary Arts department, children’s games, a bounce house, and more.
   To learn more, contact the Umatilla Chamber of Commerce at 352-669-3511 or www.umatillachamber.org.