Oskaloosa Celebrates 36 Years of Holiday Magic with the Annual Lighted Christmas Parade
The CLOW Train has been a staple of the Oskaloosa Lighted Christmas parade for many years.
The Oskaloosa Main Street Lighted Christmas Parade, a cherished tradition in the heart of Iowa, recently celebrated its 36th anniversary. This event, held annually in downtown Oskaloosa, has become a staple of the holiday season in the area, drawing in crowds from the local community and beyond.
The parade typically features a variety of lighted floats, with participants ranging from local businesses to non-profit organizations and school groups. The parade is themed each year, and this theme guides the creative efforts of those entering floats. For instance, the 2023 parade’s theme was ‘The Heart of Christmas,’ bringing out various imaginative and festive float designs.
Beyond the parade itself, the event is part of a broader series of holiday festivities in Oskaloosa. The town is known for its “Painting with Lights” display, where over 300,000 light bulbs illuminate downtown buildings, creating a stunning visual experience. This display is not just for the night of the parade but continues to brighten the town throughout the holiday season. 2023 for example, the lights were scheduled to be on from late afternoon until late evening each night, with a special “Dancing Lights” show on select evenings.
The organization and execution of the parade are significant, requiring the coordination of various elements like route planning, crowd control, and safety measures. The route has seen changes over the years, adapting to the needs of the town’s development and the safety of the participants and spectators. For instance, in 2023, the parade route started on High Avenue, turned down Market Street, and concluded at South 3rd Street, with announcers positioned throughout to engage with the crowd.
Accessibility and inclusion are also considered, with shuttle services provided to facilitate easy access to the parade for more people, including those with disabilities. Handicap parking and first-come, first-served spots were available, ensuring everyone could enjoy the festivities.
The Oskaloosa Main Street Lighted Christmas Parade is more than just a holiday event; it reflects the community’s spirit and commitment to celebrating together. It’s an occasion that brings thousands of people together, shining a light on the unity and joy of the holiday season in Oskaloosa.
The winners selected by a panel of judges include:
Non-Profit Category: 1st place goes to Gateway Church of the Nazarene and 2nd place to Oskaloosa Middle School.
Profit Category 1st place goes to Musco Lighting, and 2nd place goes to Mahaska Drug.
The Judges Choice goes to the Oskaloosa High School Marching Band. The Children’s Choice goes to Clarity Home Inspections.
Additional awards given in connection with the Main Street Lighted Christmas Parade events were for store windows and home decorating. The 1st Place Window Display went to Mahaska Drug located at 205 North E Street.
Many homes were decorated for the Home Decorating Contest. Prizes were funded by MidAmerican Energy and Southeast Iowa Regional Board of Realtors, with several other sponsors helping with other logistics. The winners are as follows:
Griswold Award – James & Tammy Cobbe, 1015 Green Street
Most Festive – Wade & Jodi Steinlage, 201 West Glendale
Best in Show – Flor Paz & Jason Toboyek, 116 Rosenberger Avenue
Best Use of Lights – Randy & Kathy Pleima, 2206 McMullin Drive
Best Use of Color – Terri Fisher 1202 J Avenue East
