Serving the community since 1970
Serving the community since 1970
The Christmas tree lights up the night at last year's tree lighting event.
The 2024 Wasco High School Valley Champion cheer and Tiger wrestling teams, along with the JV and sophomore Bengals football teams, will be this year's Honored Guests and Tree Lighters at the Kindness Shines Wasco Christmas Festival Saturday, Dec. 7, marking the event's inaugural year at the newly opened Wasco Downtown Plaza on 7th Street.
"We are so excited to announce that the Wasco Christmas Festival is moving back downtown!" Orange Heart Foundation President Traci Mills-Clendenen said. "Wasco High School has been a great host the last three years as we have built this tradition, and we know the city will be a great partner as we embark on bringing this tradition back to the heart of Wasco."
City Planner Keri Cobb echoed the enthusiasm, saying, "We are excited to have the Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting back in Downtown Wasco and are looking forward to a great evening of holiday fun and festivities with our community. Thank you to the Orange Heart Foundation for making this event happen."
The foundation and the Wasco Rose Festival Team jointly announced the honor.
Festivities kick off with the Vendor Faire along 7th Street between E to F Streets at 3 p.m., featuring retail and food vendors, perfect for pre-parade shopping and dining. A Kids Corner with crafts, including creating letters to Santa, will be located in the Art Corridor, across from the Downtown Plaza. At 6 p.m., the highlight of the evening, the Wasco Christmas Parade, will travel from Poplar and 7th toward downtown. The Valley Champion teams will light the Christmas tree at about 7:15 p.m., followed by a block party until 9 p.m.
The Honorary Tree Lighter component was added last year. This year, Wasco's four Valley Champion teams will take center stage. Sophomore Bengal Head Coach Raul Gutierrez responded, "I am very proud of our accomplishments and honored to be part of this great season." JV Bengal Head Coach Omar Rincon said, "It was an overwhelming love of everyone supporting us." Tiger Wrestling Coach Juan Gallardo praised the town's appreciation, saying, "We are blessed to be honored." Varsity Cheer Coach Sydney Bocker added, "We are excited to bring more Christmas CHEER to the community."
Entry fees for the parade include donations of board games or balls for Wasco Toys for Tigers. For more information about the parade, vendors or volunteering, contact wascorf@gmail.com.
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