Submitted by Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce
It’s an “Aloha Christmas” this year for the 73rd Annual Christmas Parade in Chehalis! The Grand Marshall is Terry Harris, whose family’s “Fantastic Aloha Family & Friends” float will kick things off on Saturday, December 2, at 11 a.m. in downtown Chehalis.
Grand Marshall Harris has been involved in Chehalis’ holiday decorations since he was on the Chehalis City Council in the mid-2000s. This year’s theme evolved with his selection as Grand Marshall. In addition to owning Aloha Paradise Family Hair Care in Chehalis, Harris also owns his fair share of Hawaiian shirts, so it was natural to create an Aloha Christmas theme.
Harris and his family have been decorating the old pump house at 13th and Market Blvd. since 2009. Harris headed up the first Christmas committee for the city in 2007, which was dedicated to sprucing up the holiday decorations. This is a great family event with participants from throughout Lewis County. This year 36 entries will compete for six awards given to first-, second, and third-place winners in the categories of commercial, motorized, float, youth, equestrian/animal, and musical. In addition, a “Best Overall” award will be given.
The 2023 sponsors include Great Northwest Federal Credit Union as the title sponsor joined by Toyota Lift Northwest and KELA/KMNT Radio as supporting sponsors. Stihl Northwest is the 2023 Holiday Festivities sponsor.
