While we might be more concerned with being left out in the cold, we all know the sweltering heat will return. Hermiston Parks and Recreation has just the thing to help you beat the heat during the summer months — a dip in the pool at the Hermiston Family Aquatic Center.

And during the Flash Sale, you can save $65 by purchasing a 2023 Summer Family Splash Pass before Friday, Dec. 30. Good for two adults and four kids during public swim hours, the cost is $119.99. For more information, visit bit.ly/hermistonrecreation. For questions, call 541-667-5018.

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And to blast you back into the reality of winter, the city of Hermiston has plugged in and turned up a festive holiday display — complete with music. The Hermiston Festival Street Light Show is illuminated nightly, 5:30-9 p.m. in the 100 block of Northeast Second Street.

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SECO Pallets is preparing to shift things into high gear for the holiday season. In its seventh year, the Boardman business will deliver Santa Claus in a special sleigh made out of, what else, pallets!

The SECO Pallets Christmas Light Parade is Friday, Dec. 23, 5 p.m. Starting at the Boardman business, it will make its way down Main Street on its way to the SAGE Center, 101 Olson Road. In addition to posing for photo ops, the jolly old elf will give gifts to all the good boys and girls (while supplies last).

If interested in decorating your truck/trailer and joining the parade, email n.lezamaj@gmail.com or send a message via bit.ly/3W4HhEb.

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Roll into 2023 with Cosmic Family New Year’s Eve. The family-friendly event is Dec. 31 with sessions from 3-4:30 p.m.; 5-6:30 p.m. and 7-8:30 p.m. at Desert Lanes Family Fun Center, 1545 N. First St., Hermiston.

Group packages for up to six people are available with 90-minute sessions of glow bowling with lights, lights and more lights — black, laser, disco and runway — along with heart-pounding music. It also includes shoe rental, a large pizza, a pitcher of soda, arcade cards and party favors.

Reservations are required. For more information, call 541-567-6364 or visit bit.ly/3Wuq4nr.

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Hermiston Parks and Recreation cooked up a sweet idea with the Christmas Cookie Exchange. People are invited to bring two dozen (or more) of their favorite holiday cookies to “trade” with others. Also, bakers are encouraged to bring their recipes to share.

The free event is Wednesday, Dec. 21, 5:45 p.m. at the Hermiston Community Center, 415 S. Highway 395. For more information, visit bit.ly/3FDUtJr or call 541-667-5018.

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The Harkenrider Senior Activity Center will serve lunch on Thursday, Dec. 22 (chicken cordon bleu), 12-12:30 p.m. at 255 N.E. Second St., Hermiston. For dine-in or takeout service, call 541-567-3582 by 11 a.m.

Also, Meals on Wheels is available in Hermiston. Call before 10 a.m. to place a delivery order. In-person, takeout and delivery meals are $5.

After a busy couple of months, the senior center is taking a “vacation” and will be closed Dec. 29 through Jan. 1. Normally open five days a week, people can participate in such activities as pinochle, arts and crafts, dominos, exercise classes, a coffee group and bible studies. In addition, some events are scheduled on weekends. For information, search bit.ly/3jgoCXN or call 541-567-3582.

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The Boardman Senior Center offers dine-in lunches on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12 p.m. at 100 Tatone St. Meals are $4 for seniors and $5 for others. For takeout service, call 541-481-3257.

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Lunch is available ($4/seniors, $5/others) on Mondays, 12 p.m. at Stokes Landing Senior Center, 150 Columbia Lane, Irrigon. Place orders at 541-922-3334 no later than Friday, 3 p.m. Provide your phone number, indicate dine-in/takeout service and number of meals.