This is a busy time in and around Eureka, generally called “Humboldt” in reference to greater Humboldt County. There have been multiple Christmas fairs, craft fairs, holiday fairs, and school fairs all month, and these continue right up to Christmas Eve. I haven’t been to many of these, but I know there are all kinds of wonderful things to be had. I stopped in at Pierson’s, the hardware and lumber store to browse their selection of locally made items carried during this time of year. It was fun to see all the items people make in our region, food, crafts, clothing, a little of everything.
Holiday parades are fun, especially when it is not raining, and this year the rain held off. On Friday evening at 6 pm was the Trucker’s Parade right in Eureka. We watched a very long line of wildly decorated trucks of every size make their way down I Street. There was a lot of one note honking of Jingle Bells (think about it: honkhonkhonk – honkhonkhonk…..). Aurora was a bit confused by all the noise and being out in her stroller in the dark, but we all enjoyed it.
The following morning was the Salty Santa Boat Parade along the downtown waterfront in Eureka. Families lined the walkway watching the seagulls and the other families. Many people wore Santa hats or holiday sweaters. Eventually, the parade began with a great deal of hooting from boat horns. Those air horns are loud!
From top: Salty Santa Boat Parade with the historic tour boat Madaket leading; a tiny tug carries the Grinch; a boat handing out candy canes at the end of a fishing pole; Santa and friends sailing in the parade.
It was an ideal day, sunny and not too cold. The parade route wasn’t crowded at all and as we strolled we could see the boats going by, everything from a very large tug to a pair of sculls. At the end, two young women asked if they could interview me for the local news:
https://kiem-tv.com/2023/12/16/this-was-the-annual-salty-santa-boat-parade/
In the interview, I said the parade could use a few more boats. I think they could also use a cart selling hot coffee! If you are in the area before the holidays, the parades are worth seeing.
Llywindatravels 2025 