There was a buzz about the Christmas Light Parade in Ripon.
Even before the holiday event of the Chamber of Commerce got going on Thursday.
"I think everyone is excited," said Chamber Administrative Assistant Taylor Dahlin, who checked in the various entries at the staging area in the Almond Valley Christian Reformed Church parking lot.
Perhaps it was the return of the festive parade of lights along historic downtown. It was canceled a year ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Folks arrived early to secure their favorite spot along the parade route, which went from Wilma Avenue to Main Street and terminating at the Ripon Recycling Center on Industrial Avenue.
Residents of Bethany Homes, for example, had their section of seats anchored down across from the staging area.
Youngsters of the Ripon Chiefs Youth Football and Cheer program were thrilled to be taking part in the parade.
"Our kids were excited. We missed out last season," said Julia DeMichelis, whose daughter Brooke is on the cheer squad.
She added that it was a month ago that those in the Chiefs' program were last together, with the junior varsity and novice teams having come away with Super Bowl victories.
Much like the Christmas Light Parade theme, it was a "Merry and Bright" occasion.
Parade goers, organizers and participants were also pleased with clear weather, especially with the rains from the previous days and the foggy conditions of the past week or so.
According to the Chamber, the parade attracted over 30 entries. Included were the variety of floats, decorated vehicles and walkers, all sporting Christmas lights.
They were judged on creativity, detail, and use of lights.
The categories were once again themed, unique and motorized. The judges’ stand was located in front of the Ripon Memorial Library.
All entries, as instructed, took a pause for 30 seconds in order for the announcer to read a quick statement about the float.
More Ripon events
The Ripon Chamber of Commerce announced several holiday events taking place in town over the weekend.
For starters, One Church Ripon at 1043 S. Acacia Ave. will be hosting "Light Up the Night" from 6 to 8 p.m. today and tomorrow (Saturday, Dec. 11).
Families are invited to come out and enjoy an outdoor, interactive walk through a Christmas wonderland, according to the Chamber.
Included will be a massive village scene filled with characters, music, bonfires, s'mores, entertainment and giveaways.
"Light Up the Night" at One Church can also mark the beginning of a new Christmas tradition.
The meet-and-greet event will wrap up with photo opportunities with Santa Claus.
On Saturday, The Shoppe Home Decor, 331 Pine St, will be having "Santa and Cookie Decorating."
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Rachel Venema Photography will be on hand to capture the moment with Santa. Those interested can book their time for the professional photo shoot.
There will also be a toy drive.
The Shoppe Home Decor will be accepting new, unwrapped toys or monetary donations.
As for cookie decorating, tickets for that can be purchased at www.theshoppehome.com.
Manteca parade Saturday
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.
This year’s theme for the Manteca Chamber of Commerce sponsored parade is “All I Want for Christmas”. The parade route is along Yosemite Avenue from Library Park to Manteca High.
SONdance performances 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.
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.
