Why Watch? You can Bicycle in the Holiday Parade!

The PGE Festival of Lights Holiday Parade lights up on Saturday, December 12. It's the 20th anniversary of the parade, and this year's theme is "Absolutely Glowing."

Usually the "floats" are motorized. This year, we have a non-motorized alternative: Join the bicycling brigade! The Salem Bicycle Club is sponsoring a bicycling float! Come one, come all! You don't have to be a member of the club to enjoy the fun!

Parade float & drill team organizers Robert, Debbie, Beth, and Mary sent out this notice:

JOIN THE PARADE!!

How long since you've been in a parade, instead of watching from the curb? How long since you've BIKED in a parade? Here's your chance to remedy that! Coming up on December 12 - the Salem Bike Club's first annual entry in the Festival of Lights Holiday Parade. All you need is some lights for your bike, warm clothes, helmet and a sense of fun.

We're aiming for a big turnout - 50 or more cyclists would be great! Young (if under 16, with parents), medium or experienced; unicycle, bicycle or tandem - it all works. And if you have a bike trailer, load up your young kids, your dog, Christmas tree, a reindeer, or snowman (parade rules say no Santas other than the official one). Prizes are given for the best float in various categories, so unleash your creative spirit!

Parade particulars:
Saturday, December 12
Meet at the Red Lot* at 5:00 p.m. for sign-in and last-minute practice (across from McDonald's at Center and Capitol Streets N.E.)
Parade starts at 6:30 p.m.
Ride Leader: Robert Fox
(e-mail Robert with any questions: refox1@comcast.net)

Be a part of the 20th anniversary of the largest lighted nighttime holiday parade west of the Mississippi, and start a new tradition with the bike club!

Join the parade group on facebook!

Special bonus points for cool lighting systems like hokey spokes, FlexPro, or other "absolutely extravagant" carnival lights! Robert may have some extra lights, so contact him if you're interested.

*Here's a location map for the Red Lot.