Rachel Thompson/News-Register##Santa Claus waves to parade watchers as he makes his first McMinnville appearance of the year Friday afternoon. As usual, Santa called on the McMinnville Fire Department for help, leaving his sleigh at the fire hall while he rode down Third Street in a ladder truck.

Rachel Thompson/News-Register##Gracie Ott is framed by twinkle lights as she dances on Third Street with Ballet Folklórico De Nuestros Ancestros in Friday's Santa Parade. To go with the festivities, Ott wears a colorful illuminated necklace, along with an elf sweater, over her traditional dance costume. Turn to page A3 for more parade photos.

Rachel Thompson/News-Register##James Riedman of McMinnville drives his vintage International Harvester fire truck, fully covered in multi-colored lights in the Santa Parade Friday on Third Street. Riedman and friends, many dressed in Dalmatian costumes, honked and waved as a machine sprayed “snow” out the back, as well, for an authentic holiday feel.

Rachel Thompson/News-Register##Hundreds of people line Third Street Friday to cheer for floats and walking groups during McMinnville’s lighted Santa Parade. New city Christmas decorations, including lighted snowflakes above the street, added to the festivities as McMinnville kicked off its holiday season.

Santa kicks off holiday season

Santa arrived in McMinnville Friday afternoon during the annual holiday parade.

Thousands of people lined downtown streets to watch the parade, which included colorful floats and marchers along with the Jolly Ol' Elf riding atop a McMinnville Fire Department truck.

In addition to special sales and longer hours at local stores, McMinnville saw the opening of its first outdoor holiday market. The market, offering a variety of gifts and foods, will be open Fridays through Sundays, through Christmas.

The Glide and Gather ice skating rink has not opened yet, however. McMinnville Area Chamber of Commerce officials said the rink opening was delayed because parts have not yet arrived. They hope to have it open by Friday, Dec. 6, for skating Fridays through Sundays through Dec. 22.