Bend’s most beloved event is coming soon! After 40 years, the Parade keeps on going and growing, and the 2023 Parade was the largest ever! 2024 is going to surpass 2023!
Bend’s most beloved community event will be starting soon this Saturday December 7th at 12 noon on Wall Street.
You are invited to come out, enjoy the fun, and share the spirit of the Christmas Season. Our 2024 Grand Marshals this year truly deserve honoring. For 39 years of the Parade history Terry Rahmsdorff served as our Santa Claus, bringing up the rear of the Parade and joy to countless kids of all ages with his booming, “Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!” Sadly, Terry passed away last year. His wife Terri and family have agreed to serve as Grand Marshals this year so that we can acknowledge and express our gratitude for Terry’s years of love and care for our community. Please help us celebrate and honor them.
This year’s community support for the parade has been amazing. Over 95 entries including Caldera, Summit, Mountain View and Bend Senior High School will be there with cheer and dance teams. Numerous floats and walking entries, horse and dog groups, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Central Oregon Mastersingers, Lava City Roller Derby girls and several well-known central Oregon dance groups will be entertaining the crowds. And following up the parade will be the big man himself – Santa.
The parade leaves from Harmon Street onto Newport Avenue at 11:45 AM and turns the corner at Wall Street by 12 noon following the route downtown and along Drake Park back to Harmon Street. Parade goers will have fantastic views from anywhere along the route. The parade will last approximately 1 hour. It’s expected to be in the high 40’s and overcast. Please bring your chairs and dress warmly.
