Vancouver’s annual holiday tree-lighting ceremony adds parade to festivities

It’s beginning to look a lot light Christmas, even with two days to go until Thanksgiving.

On Monday, employees of J&J Roofing & Construction were at Esther Short Park, preparing the community holiday tree for Friday’s tree-lighting ceremony.

The event is a long-running tradition organized by the Rotary Club of Vancouver. This year, the program will be extended to include a parade from the newly revamped public area at the Port of Vancouver’s Terminal 1 area.

The waterfront festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. in front of the AC Hotel by Marriott, complete with NoPo Big Band and an 18-piece swing-style orchestra, according to the Rotary Club’s website. At 5 p.m., a flotilla of Christmas Ships will escort a Christmas tugboat, carrying Santa and Mrs. Claus, along the Vancouver waterfront to the City Dock, and the parade will proceed shortly thereafter.

The festivities begin at 3:30 p.m. at Esther Short Park with a holiday performance by Chinook/Fruit Valley Elementary School. That’s followed by carriage rides on the south side of Esther Short Park and more performances from school groups and the Miss Clark County Scholarship Organization titleholders.

The weather forecast looks favorable, with clear skies and temperatures ranging from nearly 50 degrees before sunset to the low 40s at the conclusion of the evening.

The event is presented by Waste Connections. Sponsors include Rotary Club of Vancouver, Vancouver Toyota and the city of Vancouver.