Annual downtown celebration features record number of parade
entries during merchant showcase
The annual Lights On Celebration in downtown Hollister this
weekend will be the largest in the 19-year history of the event,
with a record 64 parade entries and dozens of entertainment options
highlighting the start of the holiday season.
Annual downtown celebration features record number of parade entries during merchant showcase
The annual Lights On Celebration in downtown Hollister this weekend will be the largest in the 19-year history of the event, with a record 64 parade entries and dozens of entertainment options highlighting the start of the holiday season.
“It really has grown over the years,” said Geri Johnson, Hollister’s city clerk and chairwoman of Lights On. “Everyone that comes downtown for the event sees how packed the sidewalks are. We didn’t have the parade the first couple of years and now it’s something that people really anticipate.”
With the theme “Candy Cane Lane,” the event runs Saturday from approximately 4:45 to 9 p.m. Downtown trees have been wrapped in lights for weeks and light posts will be wrapped in candy cane ribbons for Lights On, which features merchant open houses, performances by local entertainers and the return of “Jaime the Elf,” who will kick off the parade at 5:30 p.m.
“The downtown celebration was created to kick off the holiday season in Hollister and showcase what the merchants have to offer,” Johnson said.
Pre-parade entertainment includes Oriana Chorale carolers, a kids’ performance of “A Christmas Carol” by Limelight Theater and strolling, costumed characters such as Max, Curious George and Rags.
New this year is a performance by “Four on the Floor,” a Monterey barbershop quartet that will sing inside the Mars Hill Coffeehouse on the corner of San Benito and Sixth streets.
Parade watchers are encouraged to find parking early and preferably, organizers say, away from the downtown core, as the main street and some side streets will be blocked off. Handicapped parking will be available at Sixth between San Benito and East streets.
The parade begins at Haydon Street and will continue north along San Benito before heading west at Fifth Street. The announcer’s stand will be in front of the Veterans Memorial Building, where Bill Kelly of radio station Mix 106.5 and Kathy Bisbee of the CMAP television channel will be the masters of ceremonies.
The parade will pause long enough to have a countdown to the lighting of the Vet’s Building and downtown trees, and then it will continue, led by grand marshal Steve Rosati.
Two marching bands, a baton drill team, and various local organizations, businesses and individuals will traverse the downtown route, as will horses, fire trucks and the guests of honor – Santa and Mrs. Claus.
After the parade, Santa’s Village will open at the grassy lot on Fourth and San Benito streets. Here, photos with Santa are available for $5 and bell ringers from the First Presbyterian Church will perform at the festive holiday village display. The village includes Christmas trees donated by Bourdet’s and decorated by local nonprofits, families and individuals. The trees will be given to needy families on Dec. 12.
The west corner of Fifth and San Benito streets will feature a nativity scene inside the Pendergrass Building, while the Marguerite Maze and San Benito High School Scarlet Regiment Bands will perform outside.
The all-girl band Sledge Girls is scheduled to perform at the corner of South and San Benito from 7 to 8 p.m. and the Veterans Memorial Building Plaza will feature local music and dance troupes throughout the evening.
For more information on the Lights On Celebration, go to www.downtownhollister.org or call Geri Johnson at 636-4304 or Denise Cauthen-Wright at 636-8406.
Lighting Up San Juan
The fourth annual Holiday in Lights Parade will be held in San Juan Bautista on Saturday, Dec. 5, starting at 5:30 p.m.
Sponsored by the San Juan Bautista Chamber of Commerce, the event will feature an appearance by Santa Claus as well as floats and performers. Prizes will be awarded to entries displaying the best use of the theme “Candyland” as well as best use of lighting, best children’s entry (ages 10 and under) and judges’ favorite.
Parade entries, which cost $15, will be accepted through Wednesday, Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. at the Chamber of Commerce office at 209 Third St.
For more information about the parade, call 623-2454, 334-3130; e-mail [email protected] or go online to www.sjbchamber.com.
