About the Bend Christmas Parade
The Bend Christmas Parade has been a treasured holiday tradition for generations — a joyful celebration that brings our community together to share in the spirit of the season. What began as a small-town festivity has grown into one of Central Oregon’s most beloved annual events, lighting up downtown Bend with creativity, connection, and Christmas cheer.
✨ A Tradition Rooted in Community
The first recorded Bend Christmas Parade took place around 1950, featuring everything from Santa gliding down the Deschutes River in a “sleigh” at Drake Park to sled dog races and costume contests. Through the 1970s and 80s, the parade was lovingly organized by The Bend Downtowners, the City of Bend, and the Bend Park & Recreation Department, who helped shape the event into a true community gathering.
By 1992, when the Parks Department sought new leadership for the event, a dedicated group of local residents stepped up — united by their love of the holidays and belief in what the parade means to Bend. Under the leadership of Mr. Ernie Gilpin, this all-volunteer group became the Bend Christmas Parade Committee, which would go on to organize the parade for the next 30 years.
When Mr. Gilpin passed in 2020, the event continued through the guidance of Michael Sipe, 10x Catalyst Groups, and the Frontline Foundation, ensuring that the tradition endured even through changing times.
❤️ Powered by Volunteers
The Bend Christmas Parade has always been powered by volunteers — the heart and soul behind its magic. More than 100 volunteers come together each year to make the parade happen: coordinating entries, managing lineups, handling publicity and safety, preparing scripts for announcers, judging floats, and serving as marshals. Many have been part of the parade for decades, returning year after year out of pure love for their community and the holiday spirit.
Their dedication has kept the lights shining, the music playing, and the joy flowing through downtown Bend for generations — reminding us all that the best things in life are built together.
🌟 A New Chapter with the Cascade Relays Foundation
Today, the Cascade Relays Foundation is honored to carry this tradition forward. A local nonprofit dedicated to giving back to and uplifting our community, the Foundation has been producing meaningful, community-centered events across Central Oregon for over 18 years.
By stepping in as the new producers of the Bend Christmas Parade, the Cascade Relays Foundation is proud to support and empower the volunteers who have long made this event possible — providing the framework, resources, and continuity needed to ensure the parade continues to thrive for decades to come.
The heart of the parade remains the same: neighbors, families, and local organizations coming together to celebrate creativity, community, and holiday joy. With the Foundation’s support and the continued passion of the volunteers, the Bend Christmas Parade will continue to shine — brighter than ever.
🎁 Join in the Celebration
Whether you’ve watched the parade for years, walked in it, or are seeing it for the first time, this event belongs to everyone who calls this community home. Together, we celebrate the magic of the season and the spirit that unites us all — because here in our community, the spirit of the season truly shines brightest together.
