O’Fallon Illuminated Holiday Parade promises an epic snow battle at the end
No matter what the weather forecast, an epic snow battle will happen on Saturday, Nov. 25, at the annual O’Fallon Illuminated Holiday Parade.
Beth Ortega, who has organized the community tradition since 2017, has ordered fake snowballs in bulk and is encouraging – actually nudging – that people make a new friend.
“We want people to fit in and get to know each other. Don’t be strangers, get to know your neighbors,” she said.
The reason she took over the parade seven years ago was to create a special connection with residents to their city, Ortega said.
“Christmas is about bringing people together, spreading joy, and finding time for family and friends. And the parade is an opportunity to make all that tangible,” she said.
She hopes this year’s event – that promises to be bigger and better – will create as many magical moments as possible for all ages.
“Our fully illuminated light parade is interactive with the parade guests this year, featuring epic amounts of snow, snowballs, light shows, bubbles, crowd entertainment and much more,” she said.
“The snowballs are like a big cotton ball,” she said. “We’ve had snowball fights at home. They’re really fun.”
The parade, which starts at 6 p.m., has drawn huge crowds, some of the biggest gatherings ever in the city. Since the Saturday after Thanksgiving in 2017 – except for the canceled 2020 – it kicks off the holiday season with over 75 illuminated units and much joy.
The O’Fallon Township High School Marching Band will be back from their appearance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and will be marching, so will the Central School/JAMS Band, St Louis City SC is expected to be there too.
A small but mighty band of volunteers, referred to as the elves, coordinate lighted vehicles and floats, dancers, and characters, all to welcome Santa Claus. Tina Anshus is one of them.
“I like being a part of it. It is something good to do,” Anshus said.
“A free post-parade party will have more games, more activities, prizes, treats, crafts, face painting, and snow cones than ever. Come get a picture with Santa and all his friends, and dance with our DJ-hosted dance floor party,” Ortega said. “It is a one-of-a-kind event and the must-attend event of the season.”
Hot chocolate and popcorn are available without a charge, and she is adamant about everything being free.
“We want to have a giveaway for every kid who comes,” she said.
She said to watch out for the yellow snowballs during the parade. Catch one and bring it to the after party at O’Fallon Station to claim your prize.
“We have really great people who help us and they come up with great ideas,” Ortega said.
Ortega pointed out that the parade is completely financially independent of other holiday activities in O’Fallon, praising the sponsors.
“We work very hard to keep this event completely free to our community and make it a great place for everyone to find some holiday magic. Without our sponsors, we couldn’t possibly make this happen. We are always looking for volunteers and sponsors,” she said.
But she wants people to be pleasant and spread holiday cheer.
Another helper is her son Jacob Ortega.
“My Mom is the GOAT. It is always so fun and everybody’s smiling,” he said.
A big booster is Mayor Herb Roach. The city’s public safety teams are a vital part of the operation.
“This parade is a great part of our city. It’s a way for us to come together as a community and celebrate the holiday season. You should see the faces of the children and many of the adults,” he said.
“It is so rewarding to put in this kind of hard work and see the look of pure joy on thousands of kids’ faces, not to mention seeing generations of families sitting together, laughing, singing, and spending quality time together. This is what Christmas is all about,” she said.
visit the website, www.ofallonholidayparade.com or email OFallonHolidayParade@gmail.com if you want more information or to sign up to help.
