For 20 years Yakima has kicked off the Christmas season with the annual Lighted Holiday Parade and this year it rolls out on Dec. 8 starting at 6 p.m.

This year you can add good deeds to the good cheer as the city is partnering with Northwest Harvest to collect  nonperishable food items for distribution at local food banks and schools.

Santa always shows up at the end of the parade in time for  "Selfies with Santa” in front of The Capitol Theatre at the conclusion of the parade.

The parade route starts at the Salvation Army on 6th Avenue and concludes in front of The Capitol Theatre with the lighting of Yakima’s Christmas tree. Despite a brief set back by high winds (the tree blew down on Wednesday!) city officials say the tree goes back up on Monday December 2nd and seems none the worse for wear and should be just fine for lights and decorations.

 IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN BEING IN THE PARADE please fill out a free application  available at Ron’s Coin on Second Street, or the Yakima Chamber of Commerce.

QUESTIONS: Contact Holly Cousens at (509) 759-4872.

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