photo by clare jensen
PUYALLUP TRIBE’S COMMUNITY ALLIANCE HOSTED A TREE-LIGHTING EVENT AND LIGHTED PARADE DEC. 11, which included participation from various tribal and city departments. A circle of spectators overlooking Tacoma’s East Side say a prayer following the lighting of the Christmas tree at Takopid Clinic.
Spectators from throughout Tacoma’s East Side
witnessed a fun and festive display of lights Dec. 11, as they traveled down East 32nd Street and then headed north along the major arterial of Portland Avenue.
More than one dozen lighted floats, trucks, all-terrain vehicles, boats and engines participated in the Puyallup Tribe’s first lighted holiday parade in two years.
Thousands of colored and white bulbs adorned the vehicles carrying parade participants festively dressed in a variety of gear and costumes. From warm fuzzy scarves and hats to the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who, Santa and Mrs. Claus – even the Abominable Snowman made an appearance.
Before the parade started after darkness fell, members of the tribal community and their neighbors gathered for a prayer. As part of the Tribe’s resurgence of an anti-gang, violence and drug-use task force, the Community Alliance, the lighted parade was another attempt to bring community members together for healthy, safe and sober activities. The Community Alliance aims to continue building a stronger community connection over time, with hopes of subsequently trumping unhealthy, destructive activity.
“We are here for peace in our community,” said Connie McCloud, cultural coordinator for the Tribe, during the prayer. “We pray for each other and those that are not here.”
The parade included participation from tribal
departments such as Children’s Services, the Youth Center, Family Services, tribal veterans, and branches of the city of Tacoma such as Tacoma Police Department, Fire Department and Waste Management Services.
Following the parade, which started at Takopid Health Clinic, spectators and parade participants gathered at the old Polish Hall on East 30th Street to warm up with cocoa and cookies, and also get the chance to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.
“It’s a wonderful thing for the kids and the parents to come out in the community and share a good time together,” said Sgt. William Loescher of Puyallup Tribal Police Department, who stood in for Santa Claus that night. “Tonight was a good representation of everyone – non-tribal and tribal – to celebrate the season.”
