Boise, ID

To start this post, I have to say that while it features Caldwell, it also contains important information for anyone who lives anywhere in the area, from Ontario to Mountain Home. So if you are truly completely uninterested in the rest of the post, at least scroll to the bottom and read the last few paragraphs!

I realize that to the majority of the Treasure Valley population Caldwell is not a hot spot for entertainment, and many of us out here in the western end of the valley regularly drive into Boise for shopping, concerts, events, dining, etc., although that has changed some recently with many stores and restaurants moving out this direction. All of that being said, however, we Caldwellians can definitely be proud of our Christmas spirit. From the annual night light parade to the hundreds of sparkling Christmas lights bedecking the trees along the newly redeveloped Indian Creek greenbelt, Christmas is in the air!

The 2008 Parade night came around last Saturday night so we wrestled the kids into lots of layers of clothing, topped with warm coats, scarves, gloves, and hats, buckled them in the car, made a quick stop to pick up Grandma, and went in search of a parking place somewhere near the parade route. We found a spot easily enough and spread out our blanket on the curb to wait. I gave the kids bags for candy, commenting that they probably shouldn’t expect to get a lot since it seems that candy throwing has been on the decrease in recent years and this year with the economic situation, participants would probably be even less likely to break the bank on sugary treats. A few minutes later, people started to fill in the spot directly in front of us and we decided we had better move off the curb and up to the “front row,” partly to make sure we could see but mostly so we didn’t have to listen to my daughter fret very vocally about the situation.

Finally the first emergency vehicles ambled slowly down the street, lights flashing, leading a l-o-n-g line of floats and decorated vehicles past the excited crowd. Parade participants had represented the theme, “Christmas Through a Child’s Eyes” in a variety of festive ways, including several floats carrying mattresses and kids in pj’s, a couple of Santas and a Mrs. Claus, lots of lights and large lighted Christmas packages, and even an enormous Christmas stocking full of gifts that was intriguing for its running down the street apparently unmanned. It stood alone on its own wheels and no person or vehicle was visible to guide it along the route.

Of course there were the usual assortment of radio station vans, some lit up with Christmas lights. Also floats with people singing. And no parade is complete without a marching band. This one had two, their performers each wrapped in Christmas lights and many touting instruments decked out in glow sticks.

All in all, it was a fantastic show, especially for the price! The parade lasted a good 45 minutes. And was I ever wrong about the candy! The kids came home with a more-than-sufficient stash, much more than I had expected.

The Night Light Parade was actually the culmination of several holiday events in town. The festivities began before Thanksgiving with the city Christmas tree lighting and some family holiday fun at the train depot downtown. Then the day of the parade, the fun began mid-afternoon at the fire station where Santa appeared for pictures with the kids. The parade itself started at O’Connor Field House at the Canyon County Fairgrounds and one of the announcers from Christian radio station 89.5 KTSY was there MC’ing the parade and whatever other things they had going on there. We didn’t get to any of those things so I can’t speak personally about how they went, but they all sounded like fun.
Obviously all of these events are over for this year. However, the Indian Creek walkway is still lit up to beat the band and will be all season. If you live anywhere somewhat close to Caldwell, it’s definitely worth checking out. On a nice evening (i.e. anytime it’s not raining or windy), bundle up the family (or your date!) and go for an after-dark stroll. All of the trees are aglow, as well as a few lawn-style adornments featuring penguins engaged in various winter activities. The bridges are also radiant, and you can’t miss the city tree covered in A LOT of lights and standing tall and proud. The depot also features a lighted train, complete with Winnie the Pooh and friends.

To get there take the 10th Avenue exit (#28) and head into Caldwell. Turn west at Arthur or Blaine and go down to about 5th or somewhere along in there, look for a parking spot, and enjoy a stroll. It’s fun for families, or could be part of a romantic evening without kids. When you’re ready to head home or out for a warm treat somewhere, you can take a quick pass on up 10th about a mile and drive along the golf course where about 20 large trees line both sides of the street and are beautifully lighted for Christmas time.

All in all there are plenty of economical options for holiday fun, even in small towns. And here’s the best part. Now you can tell the world what’s so great about your little corner of the valley, whether it be for Christmas time fun, other featured events, or anytime attractions. Your fellow Treasure Valley residents want to know what you recommend as something that’s great to do in our area.  Just click on “contribute” at boise.onethousandthingstodo.com

In the meantime, here are a couple more ideas—things we have done in the past but haven’t necessarily gotten to this year. Winter Gardens Aglow at the Botanical Gardens is fantastic. The holiday lights tour is also lots of fun. So get out and enjoy some Christmas spirit. If you take your camera along, write about it and send it to onethousandthingstodo.com and we’ll post it. Together we can get to ONE THOUSAND in our list of one thousand things to do, and build on an already great sense of community in our area. Happy Holidays!!