It may not be the Macy’s Parade in New York City, but the Lights
On Celebration is one of San Benito County’s most locally attended
events of the year, attracting more than 20,000 people to kick off
the holidays.
It may not be the Macy’s Parade in New York City, but the Lights On Celebration is one of San Benito County’s most locally attended events of the year, attracting more than 20,000 people to kick off the holidays.
Come rain or shine, put on a smile because the Hollister Downtown Association’s 12th annual Lights On Celebration will go on as planned Nov. 30.
For safety reasons, it was lights off last year because a storm knocking over trees and downed power lines, leaving the city without electricity. But it won’t happen again.
“Rain or shine,” said Carol Thomas with the HDA. “The parade will go on even if we have a silent parade.”
Only a storm could call off the event, but Thomas said association members have a plan and will make the necessary modifications. All participants from last year have first option to join this year’s event. Also, last year’s theme, a Cartoon Fantasy, was carried over to 2002.
Because last year was called off, HDA members are expecting a much larger crowd this year.
“We have extended the parade route this year,” Thomas said. “We wanted to spread it around more and get more coverage.”
With the renovation of Veterans Memorial Building still in progress, events and displays have been relocated and spread around the downtown area.
Santa’s Village will spruce up the city’s lawn located at Fourth and San Benito streets next to the Briggs Building and near the village will be the North Pole at the intersection of Fourth and San Benito streets.
What could represent more holiday spirit than watching young children dancing and singing Christmas carols during Rudolph’s Review located between Bruhn’s and Maddox Jewelry. And of course there is the South Pole at Dorothy McNett’s Place parking lot where entertainment will be held and the aroma of roasting chestnuts will drift through the air.
Putting the event together was a first for Thomas and HDA Director Liz Kresky who applauded the sponsors and all the local merchants.
“We have to commend them all for their enthusiasm and support,” Kresky said. “They really came through.”
Merchants have agreed to keep their doors open late and will serve refreshments like hot cider and hot chocolate. Also, The Oriena Chorle will stroll the streets.
And HDA members will once again compete in a Window Display contest. Also, the parade procession will be in reverse.
“We are going to start from Fifth Street and turn-off on Haydon Street,” Thomas said. Parade maps will be available at the information booth at Sixth Street.
Lights On begins at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 30.
