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Holiday happiness in Hayden

by Devin Weeks Staff Writer
| December 2, 2018 12:00 AM

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Karsten Towery, 9, left, and Haggen Walker, 10, kill a few minutes hanging out before the annual Hayden Lights Parade in Hayden on Saturday evening. The friends enjoyed their first time in a parade, representing their school, Hayden Meadows Elementary. “I’m looking forward to seeing the stuff in front of us, and the stuff behind us,” Haggen said. (DEVIN WEEKS/Press)

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The Triple Play Family Fun Park velociraptor made its parade debut to the delight of community members of all ages Saturday evening during the Hayden Lights Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony. (DEVIN WEEKS/Press)

HAYDEN — The start of Hayden’s 2018 holiday season just wouldn’t be complete without an appearance by Santa Claus, the Grinch and a giant velociraptor.

“We brought him out at our Halloween event a little bit for the kids, but this is really his first community event,” said Triple Play Family Fun Park marketing and sales director Jennifer Ross, who accompanied the life-like raptor Saturday during the Hayden Lights Parade. “People are going to be saying, ‘This isn’t something you see every day in North Idaho. Maybe moose or deer or something, but not a dinosaur.’”

The Christmas-light adorned raptor, controlled and moved by Triple Play marketing intern Christian Hunter, created quite a delightful stir as it made its parade debut.

“It was funny listening to kids as we went by,” Ross said. “One little boy goes, ‘Grandma, that’s a real dinosaur.”

The raptor joined more than 30 other parade entries that began their joyful trek just north of Hayden Avenue and made their way south on Government Way.

Crowds of families gathered on the sidewalks, bundled in thick coats and winter hats as they enjoyed the lively parade.

Santa Claus himself commented on how much fun Hayden’s festivities always are.

“It’s one of the most energetic parades I have ever seen,” Santa said. “These people are so full of the Christmas spirit, it’s just wonderful.”

Karsten Towery, 9, and Haggen Walker, 10, were happy to be in their first parade and represent their school, Hayden Meadows Elementary, on a brilliantly lit parade float.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the stuff in front of us, and the stuff behind us,” Haggen said. “We’re in the parade, but we get to see both sides.”

“I’m just excited that I get to sit in here with all my friends,” Karsten said.

After the parade, people gathered in McIntire Family Park to hear sweet songs from the Atlas and Hayden Meadows elementary choirs and to watch as the town Christmas tree lit up for the season.

“We’re happy to be part of Hayden. It still has that small, country town feel,” Ross said. “I told my husband and he goes, ‘It’s like we’re in a Hallmark movie.’”

The Hayden Lights Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony has been an annual celebration for at least 12 years. Hayden’s recreation and community events director Suzanne Cano said this was the biggest parade to date.

“It’s perfect weather for it. It’s winter, but it’s not so cold that it keeps you in,” Cano said. “We are so thrilled with how many people show up for this event.”

Hayden Mayor Steve Griffitts was all smiles and festive in a Christmas sweater as he interacted with the citizens of his town and thanked them for helping to start Hayden’s holiday season.

“We begin it with a happy, wonderful parade and then continue with service,” Griffitts said. “Part of the goal we’ve had within our group is to provide levels of service this year. That, to me, brings the spirit of Christmas in such a wonderful way.”