Episode 06: Gubser
With just a week left until Christmas, our family has many traditions that we like to do. Such as going to Christmas parades or visiting Saint Nick. This weekend we made a trip to my hometown of Keizer Oregon. December is a very festive time in Keizer. Annually they have the Christmas Lights Parade the first week of the month and The Miracle of Lights immediately after.
The annual seasonal lighting event, which has been an area tradition for more than 40 years, runs from 6 to 10 nightly Dec. 2 through Dec. 26 in Keizer’s Gubser neighborhood. Having been around for so long, I remember coming here when I was my boy's age. There are at least 200 decorated and illuminated houses over a route that spans approximately 3.4 miles. Visitors can walk or drive but be aware that on a busy weekend night, it can take several hours to view and there are no public restrooms available. Walking the route is a good alternative option.
The tradition started in 1984, when a couple of families in the neighborhood put up their Christmas lights. Each family tried to outdo the other just a bit, and every year the displays got bigger and better. The competitive spirit was friendly and fun, and brought the neighbors closer together.
Word soon got out that the Gubser Neighborhood was a holiday lights destination, and people from Salem and surrounding areas started driving through to see the magnificent decorations.
The neighbors soon realized that there was an opportunity to turn the annual event into a fundraising affair for the local Marion Polk Food Share. Although free, the display encourages donations of canned food and nonperishable items, as well as cash for the Marion-Polk Food Share. The donation drop off site is part way through the route. Last year, 26,000 candy canes were purchased and distributed during the event. Additionally, $23,424.77 in cash donations plus 20,539 pounds of food for the Marion-Polk Food Share.
If you would like to donate to the Marion-Polk Food Share click the donate button below. $1 helps feed 3 people in need this holiday season.
