By RAELYNN RICARTE
News staff writer
December 6, 2007

The holiday parade and tree lighting ceremony in downtown Hood River on Friday are expected to be merrier than ever.

A 35-foot spruce donated by Vic and Vicky VanKoten is one of the featured attractions at Overlook Memorial Park. The Christmas tree adorned with 4,400 white lights provided by the Downtown Business Association will be the backdrop for several singing groups and a visit by Santa.

The events on Dec. 7 begin with a 6 p.m. parade from Fifth and Oak streets to Front Street and a right turn onto State Street with an end at Overlook on Second Street. Mayor Linda Streich will then welcome the crowd and officially light the tree. Hot cocoa will be served to those in attendance by Dog River Coffee and hot cider by area Boy Scout troops.

During the evening, canned food will be collected at Apple Green in support of the Hood River County Christmas Project. Shops will be open until 8 p.m.

“This is a wonderful tradition to have downtown and, with the community’s help, the DBA can commit to doing this every year,” stated Greg Colt, DBA president, in a Dec. 3 press release.

“The generosity of the VanKotens, the city and businesses has made this all possible and, if someone in the community would like to donate a tree next year, the DBA is happy to facilitate again.

“Our downtown is a unique and beautiful place and this wonderful tree feels right at home here in the little Top 10 Ski Towns we keep hearing we are.”

Vic VanKoten said the tree needed to be removed from their yard because it was overshadowed by a larger pine. He is pleased that the tree is bringing so much joy to the special occasion.

“We thought it was a beautiful tree and we were delighted to have the chance to give this one to the city,” said VanKoten.

The tree was cut by Columbia Tree Service and hauled from its Highway 35 site to the junction of State and Second streets by excavator Tony DeHart and his crew. Schlosser Machine built the study metal stand for the tree and Dave Bick, city engineer, designed the rigging to hold it in place. The tree was lowered into the stand and secured on Nov. 26 by Pacific Power (also covering lighting costs) and city public works employees.

“It was a big effort by a lot of people to get this tree to Overlook and it will certainly add to the fun,” said Bob Francis, city manager.