Ronan brings light parade to high risk residents
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RONAN — With COVID-19 hindering many Christmas gathering plans, the Ronan Chamber of Commerce hosted a Caravan of Lights parade on Friday evening.
The Caravan of Lights, which started at 6 p.m., differed slightly from the city’s traditional parade of lights. This year’s caravan was designed to spread holiday cheer safely, especially for those in high-risk categories who’ve spent a lot of time isolated from friends and family.
“We just wanted to explore an alternative way to bring some light and cheer to people in retirement communities,” said Ronan chamber member Whitney Liegakos in an earlier article as she reflected on the event.
“Our goal is to have people look outside and say ‘oh my gosh, look what’s coming down the street’ and be surprised.”
The Ronan Police Department escorted the parade with more than 20 vehicles decked out in lights and decoration. The three-mile route began near the Mountain View Care Center on the westside of town.
“The parade is all the residents were talking about today,” said Mountain View Care Center nurse Brandy Ellenwood on the Saturday after the parade. “Having an opportunity like this just kind of adds to their cheer, especially with the COVID-19 isolation and restrictions on family visitations. I think it was super impactful.”
The motorcade of merriment meandered east past St. Luke Community Healthcare hospital and the St. Luke extended care facility. The parade then traveled up Main Street and turned south on First Avenue. It crossed U.S. Highway 93 on Eisenhower and moved along the streets on the east side of Ronan before passing the Peaks Independent Living facilities and returning to the starting point via Round Butte Road.
“We wanted to go by each nursing home in hopes of bringing a little cheer,” said Ronan Chamber of Commerce Manager Katie Elliott. “We really felt the people in the nursing homes have really have had a tough time this year.”
Making the night extra memorable, Santa took center stage from the back of a white pick-up truck, complete with lights and a Christmas tree and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
Organizers pointed out that those viewing the procession either watched safely from their cars or masked-up and kept a safe distance. “I am super proud,” said Elliott. “Everybody actually followed our guidelines. Under the circumstances, it turned out awesome. We are really excited about how many people turned out and participated.”
