Merry and Bright.
That’s the theme for the Christmas Light Parade Thursday in downtown Ripon.
“Be sure to get there early to snag a good spot,” said Kelly Donohue, who is the CEO and President of the Ripon Chamber of Commerce.
The festive parade of lights on the various floats, vehicle and walkers will begin at 6 p.m. All told, 30 entries will take part in the holiday event that will once again travel through historic downtown.
They’ll be judged on creativity, detail, use of lights and originality are the components that will be judged – the categories once again are themed, unique and motorized.
All walkers including marching band members will be sporting at least one strand of lights.
The parade kicks off at staging area at Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church, 333 S. Wilma Ave., through Main Street, terminating at the Ripon Recycling Center on Industrial Avenue.
Entries can arrive at the stage area after 4:30.
All floats are required to arrive there already completed and in place ready to go no later than 5:30, according to the Chamber.
For more information, call the Ripon Chamber of Commerce at 209.599.7519.
SONdance performances
set for this Saturday
SONdance — a faith-based ballet group — is staging “The Heart of Christmas” on Saturday, Dec. 11, at the Refuge Church, 486 Button Ave.
Performance times are 1 and 5 p.m.
Tickets are $15. For additional information contact SONdance at (209) 823-1740 or go to www.sondance.org.
Christmas parade Dec. 11
The event that has been the highlight of community-based Christmas celebrations for 49 years in Manteca — the downtown twilight parade — is taking place Saturday, Dec. 11, at 5 p.m.
Entries are being sought for the parade that will travel down Yosemite Avenue from Library Park to Manteca High. This year’s theme is “All I Want for Christmas”.
Voice for the King concert, Dec. 11
On Saturday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m., at Zion United Reformed Church, 1220 Canal Blvd., Ripon, Voices for the King will present their 11th Christmas Concert.
The 19-voice male chorus will present a variety of Christmas-themed music. The audience will also participate in singing Christmas carols. A free-will offering will be received, of which the net proceeds will be given to Stockton Gospel Rescue Mission.
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com
