Featured image: Boats from a previous Festival of Lighted Boats on the Columbia River in Kalama, Washington (photo credit: Festival of Lighted Boats on the Columbia River)

Come to Kalama to watch the Festival of Lighted Boats on the Columbia River with the Grinch and the Whos on Saturday, December 14. Get a photo taken with Santa. Enjoy live entertainment, caroling, crafts, food, and drinks.

The festivities start at 5 p.m. at the Westin Amphitheater at 215 North Hendrickson Drive, just south of McMenamins Pub at Kalama Harbor Lodge.

The boat parade starts at 6 p.m. The route starts at the Kalama Marina, north of McMenamins, runs to Marina Park by Ahles Point, and back to the Kalama Marina.

Admission and parking are free, but parking near the amphitheater and marina is limited and fills quickly. The best option is to park at the shuttle lot and ride one of the free shuttles (school busses) to the amphitheater.

The location of the shuttle lot will be announced closer to the event. I will post the details as soon as they’re available.

For updates, visit the Festival of Lighted Boats on the Columbia River’s Facebook page.

Kalama is 38 miles north of Portland, Oregon, on Interstate 5.