The month-long Hood River Holidays celebration kicks off Friday evening. Downtown merchants will start things off with a happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., followed by a parade beginning at Seventh and Oak at 6 p.m. and heading downtown, followed by the annual tree lighting and caroling at Overlook Memorial Park at 7 p.m. Matt Werbach of the Hood River County Chamber of Commerce says while visitors do come to the town during the holiday season, the center of this event is the local community. Werbach adds the Chamber is encouraging the local community to do their Christmas shopping in the local area.