Culture

Paddling through the snow: WPWC

Every year in December, the Tumalo Creek Holiday Lights Paddle Parade takes place on the Deschutes River in Bend, Oregon. This year, I took pictures of them paddling through the snow. I thought maybe there wouldn’t be as many participants, but a little snow falling didn’t stop people from joining in on this annual event.

Here’s a short video of paddlers on the river.

Paddlers decorate their kayaks, stand up paddleboards, and canoes with holiday lights and paddle from Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe for about a half mile to the Flag Bridge in the Old Mill district.

You can see a snow-covered inflatable reindeer on the kayak on the left side of the photo below. I enjoy seeing reindeer wherever I can.

The shores of the river are lined with visitors and locals viewing the event. The paddler’s costumes are entertaining and help keep them warm while following the parade route.

After paddling through the snow and turning around at the Flag Bridge, paddlers return to Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe for hot drinks, cookies, and a celebration.

Weekly Prompts Wednesday Challenge (WPWC) – Christmas Bling

SoyBend

Centered in Bend, Oregon, my blog branches out into nature, history, and art-related topics.

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