Ronan ‘Caravan of Lights’ parades through town Dec. 18
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RONAN — This Friday’s Caravan of Lights in Ronan received a blessing from Lake County Commissioners and public health officials during a Zoom meeting last Tuesday, as well as from the Ronan City Council during last Monday’s meeting.
The parade, which begins at 6 p.m. Dec. 18, is designed to deliver holiday cheer while keeping participants and parade watchers safe from COVID-19. Those who join in the caravan are asked to decorate their own vehicles instead of pulling floats, to wear masks and keep a safe distance between vehicles. Candy won’t be thrown this year; live music has been ruled out; and walkers are discouraged.
“The whole goal on this route is to hit all the retirement facilities and Mission Mountain Enterprises facilities in Ronan,” said Ronan Chamber of Commerce president Robbie Gauthier. “A lot of those folks have been cooped up a number of months now without really any visitors. We’re hoping to bring a little cheer there, especially at St. Luke where a lot of those folks line up at a window to watch. It brings some light to their holiday season.”
The parade starts near Mountain View Care Center, west of St. Luke Hospital, travels east past St. Luke Extended Care, up Main Street and south on First Avenue, crossing U.S. Highway 93 on Eisenhower, and passing by a retirement community and a MME home before returning to the starting point via Round Butte Road.
Households are encouraged to watch from their cars, and mask-up and keep a safe distance if viewing the procession outdoors. Organizers pointed out that there are plenty of places to park along the route for those watching the parade from their cars.
“We just want to explore an alternative way to bring some light and cheer to people in those retirement communities,” said Ronan chamber member Whitney Liegakos. “Our goal is to have people look outside and say ‘oh my gosh, look what’s coming down the street,’ and be surprised.”
County commissioner Bill Barron expressed concern that those lining Main Street to watch might not keep a safe distance from one another. Liegakos suggested posting chamber representatives on each block to encourage social distancing.
“We obviously have limited enforcement. That’s the challenge,” she said. “But we could recruit some volunteers for that.”
Annual companion events, including Lights Under the Big Sky at the Lake County Fairgrounds and the holiday prize drawing, have been canceled to minimize COVID-19 exposure.
Emily Colomeda, Lake County Public Health Services director, praised the chamber’s efforts to sponsor a safe, festive event. “I love the sentiment,” she said. “I love that you’re trying to bring cheer to the retirement community who don’t get out very often or at all these days.”
The chamber is also sponsoring a holiday-light decorating contest for both homes and businesses. To participate in either event, email secretary@ronanchamber.com.
