Santa Claus gets a wave during the annual holiday parade Friday afternoon on Third Street in downtown McMinnville.

Marcus Larson

Leading the way down Third Street Friday afternoon for Santa's Parade was a special invitee of honor: the 3A state champion Sheridan High volleyball team.

It was just the latest response from the community to congratulate members of the first Spartans' sports team to win a state title since 1989, when the boys basketball team ruled the state at the Class 2A.

Head volleyball coach Matt Leichty was 12 years old at the time and living in Albany.

It's been almost three weeks since the Sheridan volleyball team secured the state crown at Lane Community College in Eugene, and the Spartans haven't quit celebrating since.

The players and coaches were feted at a school assembly and a parade in Sheridan in the days following the tournament. Then the McMinnville Downtown Association invited them to take part in Santa's Parade, which made its way down Third Street as hundreds of people watched under cloudy skies. They were excited to take part.

"I thought it was cool that a bigger town was interested," Leichty said of the invitation. "It shows the community (McMinnville) is willing to recognize another town for its accomplishments. A lot of our girls have ties and connections to McMinnville."

Leichty said the school assembly and the parades that the team has participated in have been good experiences for the girls.

He said he had no idea what to expect when it came to the response the team might receive because of its state championship.

"It's a little weird to get this much attention," Leichty said.

The team also was invited to ride in the upcoming Willamina Holiday Lights Parade, but won't be able to participate because some of the players have school commitments.

"This is our last big thing," Leichty said.

Bethany Dickey was one of three seniors on this year's team. She said she's enjoyed the "whole experience" that's resulted from winning a state championship - the school assembly and parade invitations.

Dickey is one of those Spartans her coach was talking about, someone with ties to McMinnville. She plays club volleyball with local girls.

Leichty and the girls rode in the back of two pickups at the start of the parade route. They were billed as one of four Stars on Parade entries. The other Stars were:

n Sue Buel, retired educator and namesake of McMinnville's Sue Buel Elementary School.

n Phil Jeager, director of operations at Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum's IMAX Theater.

n Ken Till, Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum director.

The parade featured 33 entries with the McMinnville Police Department Honor Guard leading the way and Santa Claus riding on a McMinnville Fire Department truck joyfully bringing up the rear.

"It went very well, oh my gosh," said Ginger Williams, promotion coordinator for the downtown association. "I thought we had some very original entries. A lot of people look forward to this parade."

The celebration continued Friday night with the lighting of McMinnville's artificial community tree that stands in Upper City Park between the aquatic center and the library. People gathered in front of the Cozine House.

In previous years, a light parade moved down Third Street from the Willamette & Pacific Railroad station. People held candles or flashlights, walked to the Cozine House and waited for the community tree to blaze into full glory.

Carolers and music, courtesy of the McMinnville High School Twilighters, were featured after the tree was lighted.

This weekend's holiday festivities wrap up with a performance by Oregon's Trail Band, set for 6 p.m. Sunday at the community center.

Admission costs $21 for reserved seating and $15 for general admission. Senior citizens can attend for $13 and children for $6.

Tickets are available at NW Food & Gifts, Oregon Stationers, Third Street Books, Third Street Holiday Market and the Downtown Association. They will also be sold at the door.