Festive parade marks season

By Pamela Glason Thornton
Staff Writer
Columbus Post

Outdoor events and shopping bring the holiday spirit home in even the smallest of towns. Gahanna, a thriving city nestled to the northeast of Columbus, lights up with 80,000 lights and 12 holiday displays between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Creekside Park is transformed into Creekside Wonderland for the season. The theme for 2005 is “The Fun is Building.”
In addition to the Gahanna-Jefferson and Gahanna-Lincoln Marching Bands, local businesses participate in the festivities that kicked off with a parade on Thanksgiving weekend in order to give the holiday spirit a personal feel within the area.
Many residents and businesses say they participate because it is a fun way to see joy in the eyes of people who delight in the lights and festive activities.
“We received such an overwhelming response from our light displays last year that we decided to increase the offerings, making Creekside Park a destination for the entire holiday season,” said Tony Collins, director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Gahanna.
“The parade is reflective of the spirit residents and community leaders have for Gahanna,” said Grand Marshal and festival planning committee member Dale Floor. “I’m proud to be a part of it.”
The park will be transformed into a Wonderland until January 1. Creekside Wonderland is accessible via Granville and Mill Streets near Creekside Café or from Veterans Park and the Westside Walkway.

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