Orland's annual Parade of Lights keeps with tradition

The annual Orland Parade of Lights will wind around town starting at the corner of Third and Yolo streets at 6 p.m. Saturday.

The route originally started on Colusa Street by the Fire Hall, but was changed because of a previously scheduled event there.

Of course, the big feature of any Christmas time parade is Santa.

This year, Santa and Mrs. Claus will ride through the streets on a sleigh, according to parade coordinator Joyce Yancy.

Among the approximately 15 participants will be a float with animals and Noah's Ark sponsored by Orland Veterinary Hospital, an antique fire truck and, among other entries, lighted vehicles ranging from a Les Schwab service truck to cars to recreational vehicles.

Yancy said people can "light up anything you want to bring."

It just takes a generator, a few ties and some lights, she added, noting that she uses old Christmas lights.

And, "it doesn't cost anything" to enter the parade,she said.

"It's a tradition. The Chamber wants to do something nice for the community. We're usually so busy running our businesses and trying to bring new business into the area, this gives us chance to bring some Christmas cheer to the community."

Sponsored by the Orland Chamber of Commerce, this year's route has been simplified, Yancy said.

The decorated entries will head down Yolo Street to Railroad Avenue, then South St. toward Eighth St. and travel across Highway 32 to Tehama St.

The route continues on Tehama to Woodward Street, then heads down East St. to South, then it jogs around to Fairview St. and ends just past WestHaven Assisted Living.

Yancy said parade participants will disperse from there. No gathering is scheduled after the parade.

Especially good place to park a vehicle and watch the parade near the start is the Les Schwab parking lot on South Street and Highway 99W and, towards the end of the parade, along South Street at the back of the Glenn County Fairgrounds.

Entries will be accepted up to start time.

For more information, call 865-0188.