Changes in Victorian Christmas Celebration

Tim Balfour

Jacksonville’s Victorian Christmas Celebration is a cherished tradition for many people right here in Jacksonville and the Rogue Valley. It has created fond memories for many of us. This year, the planning committee looked at the different aspects of the celebration and decided to implement some changes people have recommended over the years while retaining the majority of what makes the celebration so special. We wanted to share the reasons for some of the changes in order to provide a better understanding for residents and businesses.

Our goals for this year’s celebration were to:

• Make it more of a community event by including more people in the planning and implementation of the activities
• Expand the time span for the celebration, kicking it off on Thanksgiving weekend
• Increase the extent of the city decorations

Change in Time/Day of Parade—After many years of having the Christmas Parade in the evening on the Friday after Thanksgiving weekend, we are trying a Saturday morning time. While realizing the tradition and charm of the evening parade, the planning committee determined that it might be time for a change. In response to an earlier Facebook posting about this change, there was a 50/50 split between those excited by the change and those who preferred the traditional time. The parade will still feature the same (and hopefully more) participants as in the past. The benefits of the change include:

• Eliminating the after-work rush required by many attendees to arrive in time for the evening parade
• Avoiding the traffic re-routing and delays experienced by commuters driving through Jacksonville on a Friday night after a long work day/week
• Increased visibility of the parade participants
• Increased safety for attendees of a day-time parade
• A more natural “flow” to participation in other Victorian Christmas activities on that Saturday following the parade (wagon rides, visits with Father Christmas, etc.)
• Starting the parade early (9:30am) will not impede those who come to shop as most stores don’t open until 10:00am and the parade should be over by 10:30am.

Creation of a Separate Tree Lighting Ceremony—The tree lighting ceremony will serve as the kick-off to the 4-week celebration and will occur on the Saturday immediately following Thanksgiving. This will allow people who are in town for the Thanksgiving holiday to enjoy some of the celebration as well as starting the celebration a week before our traditional schedule. There will be community caroling supported by the Rogue Valley Symphony Brass Quintet and a special appearance by Father Christmas and his elves. It is hoped that this format change will offer more intimacy to the event for all who participate. Most local businesses will be staying open until 7:00pm, allowing time for shopping and dining, providing a more well-rounded experience for attendees.

Expanded Decorations—There has been a concerted effort to ensure that there are no “black holes” in the downtown. We have ensured that most buildings will be lit and decked-out with garland and bows through a combination of grants, business support and donations. We will also be adding some greenery and bows to several intersections along Fifth Street which will greet drivers as they enter town on both Fifth Street and South Stage Road.

This year, we are trying a different approach to some aspects of the celebration while retaining much of the charm and tradition of previous years. We understand the changes will not please 100% of the people but hope you will join us in supporting and participating in the celebration and help make this one of the best years ever!

Posted December 3, 2013