Audrey Gomez
At press time, the Sweet Home Chamber of Commerce and the Christmas Parade Committee still do not have plans to work together on a Christmas parade, though both groups had permits approved for the same day.
“We understand the position of the city and agree with their decision,” said Katrina Crabtree, chamber executive director.
The city approved permits for parades that are scheduled within half an hour of each other on Dec. 4 because each met the requirements of city ordinance. According to city ordinance, permits may be granted for parades that are not held for any unlawful purpose and will not breach the peace, cause damage, or interfere with public use of the streets.
“We are still hoping that the Parade Committee will meet with the chamber and can come to a decision that will benefit the community,” Crabtree said. “However, we are still waiting for them to contact us.”
Committee chair Debbie Walvatne said she and other members have not had contact “with anyone connected to the Sweet Home Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors since we informed them in August that we were distancing the committee from them.”
“Neither they nor we have initiated any discussions between the two groups,” Walvatne added.
As of Oct. 9, the parade committee will be leading the way with a lighted Christmas parade at 5 p.m., Walvatne said. The chamber parade is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m.
“We hope to best serve Sweet Home by presenting a fun and exciting parade,” Walvatne said. “We have all had a passion for presenting the last 11 parades and know that without any interference, we will be able to do so, following all requirements by the city and with using our own rules and guidelines.”
She added that committee members are sensitive to the fact that potential participants will have to choose which parade to enter.
“We hope that the parades are not avoided by the community because people will have to choose as the city chose to approve two parades,” Walvatne said.
The chamber and committee filed separate permit requests after disagreements about cost, rules, and the role of the chamber in putting on the parade.
“Personally, I have respect for all the individuals and groups that have dedicated their time, talent and energy to these events,” Crabtree said. “I hope that in the future we can work together in harmony.”