Downtown Washington kicks off the holiday season
1 / 4
Free horse and carriage rides were available at the Holiday Market in downtown Washington.
Karen Mansfield/Observer-Reporter
2 / 4
No holiday parade would be complete without an appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus. The festive couple brought delight to children of all ages.
Karen Mansfield/Observer-Reporter
3 / 4
The Holiday Market in downtown Washington featured live entertainment, including Evolving Artists Dance Studio, which performed on stage before the parade began.
Karen Mansfield/Observer-Reporter
4 / 4
Therapy dogs Jett, a 3-year-old golden retriever, left, and Norman, a 13-year-old German shorthaired pointer, enjoy the Holiday Market and Christmas parade with their fur mom, Bonnie Loya, a real estate agent who had a booth at the market.
Karen Mansfield/Observer-Reporter
Downtown Washington kicked off the Christmas season with its annual Christmas Parade and Holiday Market. Visitors were delighted with a variety of activities, including live entertainment, several vendors, food booths, children’s activities, and Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.
The parade, held on the first Friday in December, featured more than 75 units – festive floats, three marching bands, youth teams, unicyclists, and Christmas lights strung on everything from fire trucks and vehicles to musical instruments. Several businesses and shoppers also remained open for shoppers throughout the market and parade. The Holiday Market and Christmas Parade were sponsored by Integrity Construction and Compassionate Care Unlimited.