St. Croix Valley Welcomes the Holiday Season with Back-to-Back Christmas Parades
Jayna Smith
The St. Croix Valley will shine bright with holiday cheer as two Christmas parades step off during the first weekend of December. Both events are free to enter, offering local businesses and organizations an excellent opportunity to advertise before hundreds of spectators.
Calais Lioness Christmas Parade, Friday, Dec. 5
For safety reasons, the Lioness Christmas Parade organizers request that nothing be thrown from parade floats. While items such as candy and promotional materials can be handed out to spectators, due to the darkness and moving vehicles, throwing items is prohibited.
The holiday season officially begins with the 28th annual Calais Lioness Christmas Parade, set for Friday, Dec. 5. The parade, always held on the first Friday of December, will start at 6 p.m. from the Dead River parking lot before making its way down Main Street. The procession will conclude at Union Street, where participants will turn left.
At the end of the parade, families are invited to gather at Flat Iron Park, where Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet children. Santa will hear each child’s Christmas wishes, while Mrs. Claus will be on hand, passing out delicious cookies.
Those wishing to participate must complete a parade application ahead of time. Applications are available by emailing [email protected] or by visiting Kinney’s Quality Autocare. Forms will not be available at the lineup.
Baileyville Christmas Parade, Saturday, Dec. 6
The celebrations continue the very next evening as the Town of Baileyville hosts its annual Christmas parade on Saturday, Dec. 6, beginning at 5 p.m. The parade will depart from the town office on Broadway Street and make its way through downtown, creating a festive display for residents and visitors.
Afterward, children are invited to Woodland Elementary School to meet Santa, enjoy refreshments, and take part in holiday fun.
Those wishing to participate in the Baileyville parade may simply join the lineup at the town office beginning at 4 p.m. Cash prizes will be awarded for the best-decorated floats.
