Feels like Christmas in Lodi
Parade of Lights fills streets with holiday magic
Thousands filled the sidewalks of Downtown Lodi on Thursday night to witness the 22nd annual Parade of Lights presented by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Lodi.
Children and adults alike were excited to see what was in store for this year’s parade. Christmas spirit filled the air as the crowd gleefully watched the line of floats, vehicles and people decked out in festive Christmas decor make their way down the parade route. Announcers at all five stations pumped up the crowd and introduced the parade entries.
Vendors walked up and down the streets selling everything from glow sticks and parade trinkets to cotton candy and kettle corn.
The parade, consisting of more than 80 entries, had something for everyone, from holiday scenes and whimsical children’s story characters to the iconic Lodi Fire truck carrying Santa and Mrs. Claus.
This year there were four categories, with entries judged on flair, theme, crowd appeal, lights, originality and creativity. For the floats and vehicles category, first place went to the wintery “A Toyland Christmas” by Salon Envy & Boutique, second place went to Acampo Tree Service’s present-themed float, and third place went to the Christmas story-themed “Polar Express” by Pacific Coast Producers.
In the category of marching, walking, cheering and dancing, first place went to the elaborate “Minions” by Balloons Unlimited, with people wearing complicated balloon costumes of characters from the animated film series. Second place went to Lodi High School Marching Band and third place went to Double Diamond Dance.
In the equestrian and animals category, first place went to the Animal Friends Connection, who got the crowd going as their therapy dogs — wearing Christmas lights, reindeer antlers and other accessories — made their way through the parade route. Second place went to Clements Junior Rodeo.
“Batman” by the Lodi Police Department — Police Chief Tod Patterson dressed as the caped crusader riding atop the department’s reindeer-drawn armored vehicle — took first in the unique entries category, while second place went to the “Trolley” from Viaggio Estate & Winery and third place went to the Port City Roller Girls.
In addition to the winning entries, the parade was full of eye-catching decor and performances.
The Loco City Derby Girls skated down Lodi’s streets, adorned in colorful Christmas lights. From blocks away, the crowd could hear the Lodi High School cheerleaders, wearing Santa hats, chanting and cheering as they rode a big rig illuminated by strands of lights.
Lodi Christian School reminded the crowd that there was more to the holiday story than Santa from their Christmas-bedecked big rig adorned with a sign that read, “The greatest gift ever given ... Jesus.”
Alexander Mattress and Furniture Store had three of their vehicles covered in lights and topped with Christmas presents on the roofs of the vehicles.
At one point, an old-fashioned car covered in Christmas lights popped a wheelie in the middle of Church Street.
Several Girl Scout troops, some wearing reindeer costumes and others colorful lights and tutus, also marched in the parade, as the Tokay High School Marching Band — also bearing Christmas lights — filled the street with holiday tunes.
The crowd was surprised to see the Grinch dressed in a Santa suit skating down the parade route. He was accompanied by Elsa from “Frozen,” Snow White, the Cat in the Hat and several other beloved characters from children’s books and movies.