Holiday Tree Lighting Promo: Pup Parade Draws People

Hawthorne Holiday StrollHow many times have you heard, “Everyone loves a parade”? I pay attention to these things, and I can assure you that the parade is a beloved tradition by people and their pets.In a time honored tradition, the Hawthorne Boulevard Business Association and area retailers partnered to attract more people, and to draw attention to their neighborhood Holiday Tree Lighting event.As far as parades go, it wasn’t an exceptionally large one, but they had cute down in spades. Adding a twist to the ugly sweater movement, HBBA offered a contest for the best ugly holiday sweater on a dog! Drawing from an eclectic mix of creatives, shoppers, small business retailers and dog lovers of all kind, paradees assembled behind Kids At Heart on Hawthorne Boulevard.The dogs spent little time checking each other out, posing for the paparazzi and generally looking cold. Most perked up considerably when sampling the six different doggie treats donated from Healthy Pets NW, Portland Pet Supply plus Fred Meyer donated pet food samples and Prizes.No Holiday promotion is complete without a Santa, and so he appeared, product placement in hand, he gripped his Coke and ho, ho, helloed to all with big ears. And four furry feet. After much greeting and tail wagging, the group set forth on sidewalks, carefully crossing side streets from 35th to 40th Avenues arriving at Fernie Brae, a magical fairyland.  The annual tree lighting staged on the front lawn of Fernie Brae's welcoming porch, groaning with revelers, treats from the local New Seasons Market and musicians setting up for the big event. What can you do when an event's ultimate activity last literally one second? I mean, how long does it take to flip one switch?HBBA and this fine retailer set up delicious hot chocolate donated from New Seasons, located almost across the street. There were two elf nymphs adding hair sparkle to anyone sitting still for 10 minutes. A delicious ale was also sampled by those willing and able.The fun had almost reached its peak, announcements were made and a toast came from the porch stage. Kids were called into the tree circle to help count down, 10, 9, 8 ... 3, 2, 1! The lights burst on, the tree lit up and singing ensued. Not very good singing, but genuine lusty Jingle Bells came out from most everyone there. It was terrific feeling part of something special where many people came to gather to add to the experience. Pet owners decorated their dogs, small businesses looked their best, and neighbors brought out good cheer!     https://bampdx.com/contact-us-organize-host-plan-festivals/subscribe/