With moderate early December temperatures providing a fitting backdrop, community residents turned out in force for a special Downtown Christmas hosted in Oakdale on Saturday, Dec. 2.

The first ever parade associated with the event stepped off on schedule and the entries made their way along the route to the delight of the crowd, while members of the Orange Blossom 4-H sang carols and passed out candy canes on the parade route and around the downtown area.

The Stueve family had a pair of horse-drawn wagons to provide rides around the downtown area and also participated in the parade and vendors with a variety of wares set up shop for the late afternoon and on in to the evening.

Many of the shops in the downtown area stayed open late for the festivities and the bulk of activity was centered on North Third Avenue, between E and F streets.

That is the same location utilized for the summertime Farmers’ Market and the downtown celebration enjoyed hosting a huge crowd. There was a petting zoo, photos with Santa, music, food, arts and crafts, soy candles, dream catchers, a special area set aside for kids’ activities and more.

Attendees seemed to be enjoying all that the Downtown Christmas had to offer, many making purchases for holiday gift giving and taking time to connect with family and friends.