It’s said that Santa Claus has a twinkle in his eye, but he’ll be no match for the lights on display at this year’s Twinkle Parade in Stillwater. The annual parade, organized by the Main Street Stillwater Independent Business Alliance (IBA) and also sponsored by the Stillwater/Oak Park Heights Convention and Visitors Bureau, will kick off outside the Dock Café. The event will include hot cocoa, coffee and cookies, along with a performance by the Teddy Bear Band.
Then come the twinkle lights, which IBA member and Alfresco Casual Living owner Meg Brownson says will be passed out to children while supplies last. Last year, the parade included 1,200 lights, and this year, Brownson estimates that number could reach 1,500. Additionally, participants are encouraged to join the festivities by creatively shining their own lights, such as lighting up strollers, clothing or even their dogs.
Once the lights are turned on, the parade will make its way along the river to the pedestrian plaza at North Lowell Park for a tree lighting ceremony and fireworks. “It’s a really fun community event and a great way to celebrate the season,” Brownson says. “This is our way as the downtown business community of giving back.”
