by Lorie Lewis Ham
EDITOR’S NOTE: Sanger has had to cancel the parade.
Just like the City of Reedley, Sanger is getting creative with their Christmas parade this year and doing a reverse parade. We chatted with Tammy Wolfe, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Sanger District Chamber of Commerce to learn more.
KRL: I understand your Toyland Parade will be a reverse parade this year, can you tell me more about what that means?
Tammy: If you can Imagine Christmas Tree Lane, beautiful displays and lights that you drive through. We will have floats, displays, and lights on both sides of the street, for cars to drive through 🙂 It will be fun! We will also have a channel to turn to for Christmas Music in your car 🙂
KRL: Why did you decide to do that?
Tammy: COVID-19 has controlled all of our events this year. We have had to postpone or cancel many of them. But we felt, because we are the Nation’s Christmas Tree City, we need to have our Christmas festivities, although modified to keep all our families safe. And this was the balance that allowed us to do that.
KRL: Can you share just a little of the history and traditions of the Toyland Parade?
Tammy: This is our 73rd Christmas Tree City Toyland Parade. We have seen our parade participants and audience grow in size and support. Usually we have pictures with Santa, lots of food, and activities, but this year, those had to be postponed due to COVID-19.
KRL: What sort of safety guidelines will the floats have to comply with?
Tammy: To keep our families safe, we are following Fresno County Department of Public Health guidelines with Hand Sanitizers at each station, Masks to be worn, and Social Distancing.
KRL: Will there be more than just floats?
Tammy: There will be light displays from different organizations, cool lit up cars, large equipment from Mid Valley Disposal, etc.
KRL: I see there will be food and arts & crafts booths-how will that work safety wise?
Tammy: It’s outdoor shopping for all 🙂 Food Trucks with yummy offerings! We hope that all come out and enjoy (safely) some fun and Christmas Joy!
KRL: Where exactly will it be?
Tammy: It will be on 14th street between N Street and Greenwood.
KRL: What time will it be?
Tammy: From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
KRL: Anything else you would like to add?
Tammy: Please let everyone know that we look forward to seeing all of our families and businesses! We miss you all and can’t wait to celebrate with you. Merry Christmas!
What about this year’s Christmas tree?