We used to think of Klamath Falls as just the halfway point to Reno (from Oregon) until we discovered that this beautiful town set up against the Cascade Mountain Range is a destination in its own right. Just 18 miles north of the California border on Highway 97, Klamath Falls is another jewel in the Cascade Mountain Range. Close to Crater Lake, Upper Klamath Lake is the largest lake in the Northwest. You drive halfway around it before arriving in town and can admire the many migratory waterfowl which call it home in summer. In winter, most of the birds have flown to warmer climates, but there's another gathering in town all the folks who have come to can attend the SNOWFLAKE FESTIVAL.
The Snowflake Festival is fun for townspeople and visitors alike. 2008 marked the 25th anniversary of the festival started by the Howards. This year, Doug and Chris Howard, the son and grandson of the founder, served as grand marshals for the parade on December 4th.. The city-wide tree lighting and parade always kick off the annual weeklong event . This year's parade featured 92 entries, everything from bare-chested runners, prancing miniature horses, lots of bands, Miss Oregon, the Hustlin' Owls basketball team, dogs wearing angel wings, and the multi-colored human-powered float, "The HMS Silver Bells."
Children viewing the parade had different votes on their favorite the fire engines: the floating pelican, Ralph the Eagle and others all got enthusiastic votes. A 16 foot gingerbread house was another favorite float and inspired ideas for children participating in the Gingerbread House competition later in the week. Children also had a chance to enter the Coloring Contest, another annual event in the festival.
But on the night of the parade, all eyes were on Santa and Mrs. Claus who greeted everyone along the parade route. While the festival can't guarantee snow, it can guarantee cold and this year was no exception. Parade watchers were grateful for the hot chocolate and coffee provided by Italiana Restaurant. People arrived early to stake out their spots with chairs. Young members of the Civil Air Patrol were also there early to help with traffic control. But the real planning begins a year in advance when decisions are made as to which events will fly in any given year.
This year the Pet Expo was postponed to spring, and the Snowflake Ball was cancelled as well. But the Parade, Handbell Concert, Teen Pageant, Essay Contest, Snowflake Run, and other contests went on as planned.
"Silver Bells" was this year's theme. Next year's is yet to be announced, but one thing for sure is that past parade winners like Fairview Elementary School are already planning what they'll do for next December. Given enough paint, glue, paper, scissors, and town spirit, anything is possible.
Lots of people avoid Oregon in the winter because they think it rains all the time. The fact is that Klamath Falls has 300 days of sunshine. It's a friendly town with a Christmas spirit that is the perfect beginning to the holiday season. If you're in the area next December, put the Snowflake Festival on your calendar. Bundle up, be prepared for a week of good cheer, and think SNOWFLAKES. Living in Klamath Falls means happy memories added each December. Come join the festival and create some of your own.