Among the many reasons I love growing up in Woodland Park, nothing quite captures the local spirit like our parades. Whether it’s the chaotic, candy-fueled September homecoming one or the more bundled-up fireside version every early December.

These traditions anchor our town.

When I was younger, the most memorable part of these small-town displays was always the candy. My siblings and I would stand on Main Street, freezing hands open, prepared to smile, wave and gather as much sugar as possible. It was a small-town kind of reverse-Halloween. Instead of going to houses to get candy, the treasure was brought directly to us. I would wait on the curb with my siblings watching the floats drive by.

The first time I actually had the opportunity to ride in the parade and pass out candy was a different feeling. Tossing miniature chocolates into the crowd was when I realized the tables had completely turned. Suddenly I was the dispenser of joy rather than the eager receiver. It felt entirely different traveling east at 2 MPH in the parade itself.

Now my favorite part is simply the sight of our entire town gathering for this wonderful, shared tradition. This year the excitement started the day before with the Memorial Park tree lighting ceremony. During the parade itself, local business owners temporarily close up shop. They take time away from their busy days to create and drive imaginative festive floats. Families line the entire route, warmly layered up. Their enthusiastic cheers echo down the street as they wave, ending afterwards when the fireworks light up the dark mountain sky.

Our town has marked time by these community rituals of coming together. They are organized by neighbors we call our own and unlike the slick, distant celebrations you see on TV, our Woodland Park moments are entirely ours.

The ways in which our community came together like we did on Dec. 6 are what make our town great. Our differences disappear when we meet our neighbor in shared celebrations. However we got here, the one thing we all have in common now is we live in Woodland Park and the greater mountain community.

Whether your family traditions involve a quiet evening by the fire or a crowded celebration with friends and family after much traveling, I wish you a special time and a Happy New Year!

Ruth Wiseman is a Woodland Park native and a dual-enrolled high school student attending Pikes Peak
State College