Hollister
– The Hollister Downtown Association is already gearing up for
the most wonderful time of the year and is seeking applicants for
this winter’s 16th annual Lights On parade, a tradition that has
become a mainstay of the holiday season for many locals.
Hollister – The Hollister Downtown Association is already gearing up for the most wonderful time of the year and is seeking applicants for this winter’s 16th annual Lights On parade, a tradition that has become a mainstay of the holiday season for many locals.
“It’s a nice way to kick off the holiday season,” HDA Executive Director Brenda Weatherly said.
The event began in 1990 as a way to bring the community together for the holidays while promoting downtown business. More than 5,000 people crowded city sidewalks to watch the parade and cheer as the city’s holiday lights were turned on for the first time last year.
Around 55 local businesses and nonprofits participated in the parade last year, a figure Weatherly hopes to maintain in 2006. The event is good not only for downtown business, but also for groups that enter a float or act in the parade to create awareness for their business or cause.
“We’ve already had 10 people sign up,” Weatherly said. “Including Santa and Mrs. Claus.”
But the floats aren’t there just to show off. Each one is judged by a panel based on how many lights are on the display and how creatively those lights are used. Several winners are selected each year and receive “Downtown Dollars” as a well as some serious bragging rights. Last year’s winners were the United Methodist Church, Paine’s Restaurant, Calaveras Elementary School and San Benito Bank.
“They work sort of like Disney Dollars,” Weatherly said. “Once you have them they’re good at just about every downtown business.”
The parade always winds up featuring not only floats, but marching bands, carolers, dance groups, classic cars, ponies and even some roaring Harley-Davidsons. The catch is, of course, that all of them have to be decked out in lights.
“It doesn’t matter what you’re doing. Even if you’re a walking act you have to use lights,” Weatherly said. “It’s always fun to see how people use the lights, sometimes they have to get pretty creative. It’s what makes us special and sets us apart – we had people come from San Jose and Monterey last year.”
Even if you attend the parade every year, putting together a float or other entry is a fun way to experience another side of the Lights On celebration.
“It’s a fun way to start the season, and it’s a nice hometown sort of event,” Weatherly said. “We just have fun closing off the streets and creating a special atmosphere.”
The entry form is available online at www.downtownhollister.org. For more information call 636-8406.
Danielle Smith covers education for the Free Lance. Reach her at 637-5566, ext. 336 or ds****@fr***********.com.
