Holiday Lights Paddle Parade
Our favorite Holiday tradition in Central Oregon
Bend’s community has grown over the last couple decades and one tradition that continues to grow with it, during the holiday season, is our Holiday Lights Paddle Parade. It is a vibrant event held on the first or second Friday of December, where the paddling community joins us, decorating their kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards with colorful lights and festive decorations. As paddlers navigate the river, the illuminated vessels create a stunning visual display against the backdrop of the historic Old Mill and its holiday decor. This event not only showcases creativity and holiday spirit but also brings the community together, making it a cherished tradition that celebrates the joy of the season.
Whether participating in the parade or watching from the riverbank this joyous spectacle is sure to warm anyone’s holiday spirit. Understanding the origins of this parade may warm YOUR holiday spirit too.
It all began over 20 years ago, on Mirror Pond, with six very enthusiastic and festive women who called themselves the “Six Pack”. Jeanne Russell, the woman who originally rallied her friends with this idea said “The first time we launched it was solid ice on the pond and we had to break ice to get our kayaks in but it was worth it” and they found themselves on the front page of the local paper and on the evening news. That first year they paddled once a week with decorated boats for three weeks in a row. Rumor has it that their husbands chose instead to meet up for drinks while their wives paddled. Everyone considered it a win, celebrating in their own way.
After a few years it grew too big for the Six Pack to manage, now calling themselves “WOW” (Women on the Water). Geoff Frank, owner of Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe and a friend of the ladies, agreed to take over the event. From the dock, and with the support of the small staff, they could get people on the water easier, have safety boaters paddling in case of an emergency and enjoy a venue to share hot beverages, treats and camaraderie after the paddle.
Over the years, the parade has grown substantially, in participants and onlookers, with many paddlers who never miss a year. The consistency is commendable, with weather ranging from mild and sunny to wet, windy and frigid. In 25 years, the parade has only been canceled when the river was so frozen it was impossible to navigate. 
What is it about the parade that is so special for Tumalo’s crew? Our basic mission is to “share the experience” with our customers and community members. All of the team here at TC are avid paddlers, so in season this might include anything from introducing a new kayaker to a calm lake, sitting on a tube, or paddling with an experienced boater on Class IV rapids. At a time when the temps drop, the weather changes and the Cascade Lakes are inaccessible, we can bring our community together in a festive setting. It’s a great excuse to hang with fellow paddlers and give back to the community that has supported us for several decades. Topher, 12-year TC veteran describes it best when he says, “Over the years, I’ve loved being part of Tumalo Creek’s Holiday Lights Paddle, launching paddlers and getting to see their excitement firsthand. I get to hear a bit about what brings each person here and admire all the creative, unique displays they’ve put together for the parade. It amazes me every year how cool, decorative, and inventive each paddler’s setup is and how it all comes to life on the water once the sun goes down. This event has such a special place in Bend’s paddling community. It started back when the scene was much smaller, and I’m grateful it still continues, even as Bend has grown and changed. It’s such a wonderful, local-at-heart tradition to celebrate together”. 
These days the parade has as many as 75-100 craft on the water with pretty amazing decorations adorning the boats, boards and even rafts. It’s a “must do” Central Oregon holiday event with additional festivities typically being held in conjunction.
For more information on participating or detail on where to best watch this event, reach out to us here at the retail shop: 541-317-9407 or 805 SW Industrial Way, Suite #6.
