Celebrate Mac150 with a Commemorative Ornament!
As we begin celebrating Mac150 — the 150th birthday of McMinnville — we’re excited to bring back a beloved tradition from years past: a commemorative holiday ornament!
For many years, the McMinnville Downtown Association offered a different commemorative ornament each holiday season, creating a collection of keepsakes that celebrated the people, places, and traditions that make our community special. This year’s Mac150 commemorative ornament continues that tradition with a beautiful gold, etched design honoring McMinnville’s 150th birthday.
Even better, all proceeds from ornament sales will support the annual lighting of McMinnville’s giant sequoia tree, helping ensure this cherished holiday tradition continues for years to come.
For generations, the lighting of McMinnville’s giant sequoia tree has been the moment that officially kicks off the holiday season. Each year, families line Third Street to watch the Santa Parade, where twinkling floats and joyful music lead to the grand finale — Santa himself arriving on a fire truck to light the towering sequoia next to the library, filling the park with holiday magic.
But behind that magic is a significant community effort. While the lights remain up year-round, months of weather and the help of some very determined squirrels mean maintenance is needed each year to prepare the tree for the holiday season. A team of highly trained professionals using specialized equipment must safely install and reposition thousands of lights high in the branches, with the work costing approximately $15,000 each year.
For many years, the McMinnville Downtown Association has proudly partnered with the City of McMinnville to bring the Santa Parade and Tree Lighting to our community. When the City faced budget constraints and could no longer fund the tree lighting this year, the McMinnville Downtown Association stepped in to ensure this beloved tradition continued — though the cost is well beyond what our small nonprofit can typically take on alone.
We believe some traditions are worth the extra effort.
With the help of our reserve funds and generous support from Visit McMinnville, the sequoia will shine again this holiday season. However, future years will bring additional challenges. The tree’s lighting system, including its halo and light strands, as well as the electrical infrastructure, will require significant repairs in 2026.
By purchasing a Mac150 commemorative ornament, you’re helping preserve a tradition that brings our community together year after year.
🎄 Purchase your Mac150 ornament!
Ornaments are also available:
- Online through our website
- At the McMinnville Farmers Market Information Booth on Thursdays from 12–6 PM
- At the McMinnville Downtown Association office inside the Cozine House 📍 105 NE 3rd Street
Interested in making a larger sponsorship contribution toward keeping the sequoia shining bright? Contact us directly at the Contact tab. We would love to recognize and celebrate the community members and businesses who help make this beloved tradition possible.
Together, we can keep McMinnville’s spirit shining bright — one light at a time. ✨
