Ag glow up: Moses Lake’s Agricultural Parade & Street Party to return

MOSES LAKE — Residents will recognize one of the pillars of the Moses Lake area economy with the 26th annual Agricultural Parade & Street Party on Friday, sponsored by the Downtown Moses Lake Association (DMLA).

DMLA executive director Lexi Smith said the parade is a way to show appreciation of the contributions made by agriculture to the community.

“We want to use this as an opportunity to celebrate them,” she said.

The parade is preceded by a street party from 5-7 p.m., featuring a table where kids can write letters to Santa, and a special mailbox where kids can mail them. Smith said there also will be vendors in Sinkiuse Square handing out hot chocolate, apple cider and french fries, among other things.

“We’ll have our s’mores pit,” Smith said, and games for kids.

The parade was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Smith said there are about 40 entries. DMLA board member James Shank will be the parade announcer.

The parade includes ag equipment, and since it gets dark well before 7 p.m. in December, it’s also a parade of lights. Tractors, trucks, combines, fire trucks, vehicles big and small, even the floats, are decked out in lights.

Parade entrants are judged in five categories: agricultural, non-agricultural, non-profit, equestrian and non-motorized. The route takes participants from the Surf ‘n Slide Water Park, along Third Avenue to Division Street, then down Fourth Avenue, back to the water park.

Parade lineup begins at 3:30 p.m. Judging is from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the water park and when participants reach the corner of Third Avenue and Ash Street.