When:Saturday, December 5th at 7pm.
Where:Main Street in downtown Guerneville.
What: Home town holiday fun!
More Info: Russian River Chamber of Commerce
This is my fourth winter in West Sonoma and the Holiday Parade of Lights has become an annual winter tradition for my friends and me. Guerneville is a summer camp of a town that turns cold and isolated when the tourists go home. Yet during the month of December it sparkles again, with holiday lights, the toasty smell of fireplaces, and the welcoming warmth of a diverse community who are eager to stave off cabin fever and have some fun.
The parade itself is charmingly home-spun. Fire trucks polished and bedecked with lights. Flat bed trucks with children's choirs. Rocking bands and DJ's on floats from the local pubs and nightclubs. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Electric horsemen from the riding clubs. Then there's us, dressed up in our warmest coats and gloves, cheering wildly at the humblest parade entries. Every good parade needs an enthusiastic crowd.
If you're traveling from a distance or want to enjoy some Russian River Valley wine, consider staying the night. I recommend Fern Grove Cottages. My friends and family like it and and rave about the generous continental breakfast that's included.
Another place some of my friends stay at is The Woods. Guerneville is a very liberal gay-friendly town. You shouldn't experience homophobia here, but if you and your beloved are more comfortable in gay-oriented lodging, The Woods is a good, reasonably quiet place to stay.
Both of those hotels have great prices and are walking distance to the downtown parade, restaurants, and shopping. Also, there are many Christmas Tree farms in the area. Come for the parade on Saturday then do some wine tasting or pick up a fresh cut tree on Sunday.
Tis the season to be jolly!
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