Santa, lights and tractors spread holiday cheer
For the fourth year in a row, Geyserville’s Tree Lighting and Tractor Parade will bask downtown in a glow of holiday cheer on Nov. 30, as the town opens its doors to residents and visitors alike. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive at 5 p.m., the tree will be lit at 6 p.m., and the Northern Sonoma County Locals Unlimited (NSCLU) lighted tractor parade cruises by at around 7 p.m.
Event organizer and local business owner Karen Waelde of North Coast Property Management said the tractor parade started as a surprise, as lighted tractors just rolled down the avenue one year. “When the guys came through town it was kind of a surprise,” said Waelde. “I said, ‘ok guys, can you let us know when you’re coming next time?’ They just kept getting more competitive with each other and they formed their own group, called Northern Sonoma County Locals Unlimited.”
As the parade became more official, the NSCLU registered as a non-profit to make it possible to donate money to the show. Waelde also added a Best in Show Award that will be given to the most impressive tractor, as determined by three secret judges.
“I love Christmas and I love Christmas trees,” said Waelde, who explained the Christmas event started six years ago when she began to decorate her office for the holiday and have Santa stop by. Waelde and other merchants strung lights on the olive trees, until one of her clients said, “Karen, this is Christmas…we need a Christmas tree.” According to Waelde, since then a Christmas tree has been donated for the lighting ceremony every year. This year, the tree will be donated by Cathy Park, in memory of her husband Rod, who recently passed.
Santa will be cruising up the avenue in style this year, in a convertible that will drop him off at the Capture tasting room, where he will remain for a portion of the evening before walking to the tree around 6 p.m. At the tree lighting, the Geyserville Cheerleaders will have a booth selling hot chocolate and popcorn, the Boys and Girls Club will sing Christmas carols and bleachers will be provided by the Geyserville Education Foundation.
Waelde describes the Tree Lighting and Tractor Parade as a “big community event,” and hopes this year the tractors will measure up to their crowd-drawing past. The fire department will be making an appearance and entries may include fire engines, semi trucks and school busses. District Supervisor Mike McGuire will attend the event as an MC, announcing the tractors and trucks as they pass. The winner of Best in Show will be awarded the perpetual trophy, as well as an individual trophy they get to keep.
The popularity of the event came as a bit of a surprise, as last year close to 2,000 people showed up. “People have to get here early,” said Waelde. “Come into town, go to all the different hot chocolate and cookie stands, get to know the downtown merchants. Maybe come back and do your Christmas shopping later.”
