Echo is not only known for its history, but an honored tradition of greeting the Christmas Holidays with elaborate displays of Christmas lights and decorations. Most years, at least 60 percent of the homes are decorated with at least a few strands of lights.

Several homes are standouts each year. Among these are three historic homes on Dupont Street: the Koonts-Fife House, Thompson-Fife House and the Ross-Power House. Another is the historic Esteb House on Kennedy Street, which usually takes home the best overall or children’s favorite award in the annual Christmas Lighting Contest. Both the Esteb and Koontz houses have won the East Oregonian’s Christmas Lighting Contest as best in the county.

The Historic Koontz House, which is on the National Register, resembles a wedding cake decorated in lights instead of icing, while mannequins dressed in period costumes adorn the porch. The Esteb House features animated decorations such as carousels and a small train with Disney characters and stuffed animals on rides. Thousands of lights are used at both locations.

It is common on holiday evenings to see impromptu parades of visiting cars traveling down the streets viewing the Christmas displays. City Hall inside-and-out is also known for elaborate and elegant decorations, as is the city parks.

The Echo Booster Club not only organizes the Christmas Basket for the Needy program, but gives lights to new homeowners to encourage their participation in the town's tradition. The Christmas Lighting Contest is sponsored by the boosters.

To find out what is going on this Christmas season, call (541) 376-8411.