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 fourth annual Holiday in Lights Parade, meanwhile, 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 sjbcc@sbcglobal.net or go online to www.sjbchamber.com.
See the Pinnacle for the full story.
Adam Breen Adam Breen is a staff writer with the Weekend Pinnacle.
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