Holiday lights fantastic
Excited crowds line Lodi streets
As the annual Parade of Lights commenced, crowds lined the streets of Lodi on Thursday evening to carry out the tradition of watching the display of illuminating lights fill the streets.
The event brings out thousands of Lodians and members from neighboring communities to watch, as brilliantly lit floats cruise the streets of Downtown.
According to Chet Somera, a member of the Kiwanis Club and organizer for the Parade of Lights, “This year was the largest by far, we had 84 entries but we could have had a hundred easily.”
“We can not make it too long, because people have work and school the next day,” said Somera.
The night before the parade, camping chairs and lawn chairs filled d the sidewalks, as people were preemptively staking their claim on where they were planning to sit during the parade.
“It is amazing to see year after year, how the town puts together an amazing event for everyone to enjoy, it really brings out the Christmas spirit,” said Susan Heberle
For Joe Carol, the tradition of watching the lights began in his youth and now as a father he watches, as his children are able to relish in the shared memory of the parade. They look on with anticipation and glee as the marvelous floats adorned in twinkling lights pass by.
“It’s a great way to get them off their phones, ” Carol said jokingly.
“We have been coming to this parade for four years,” said Sarah Gormely with 105.9 the Bull.
“We look forward to attending every year, we enjoy handing out candy and seeing the floats.”
As the enchantment of the holidays occupies the streets, many in the crowd watch on in amazement, pointing and waving at their friends and characters on the floats.
Characters like the Grinch and Mr. Incredible were spotted at the parade waving to the crowd. Many cheered as the citing of Santa overwhelmed the crowd. As floats passed by, the music pervaded the streets and a group of toddler girls joined hands and twirled as a cover of “Last Christmas” by WHAM! was played on one of the floats.
“My favorite thing about the parade has been both the Lodi and Tokay’s marching bands,” said Anna Rashid.
The booming medley of Christmas classics flooded the streets. Parade goers looked to the floats gleefully as the feeling of Christmas captivated the community.
Lodi native Kerry Suess says he enjoys the effect the parade has on people and its ability bring smiles to the faces of children.
The excitement fills the air as parents and their children huddle together for warmth. As the cold air crept into the night, the crowd continued to grow.
“It’s nice that it’s not raining this year, but it is a little cold, but not as cold as it has been in the past,” said Eva Ochoa, a parade goer.
For many parade goers the most popular float that many were pleased to see was a train float which was contributed by PacificCoast Producers.
“Every year they have their train, and it looks so good they do a really great job,” said Jamie Mills.
Despite its popularity, it did not place in this year’s theme competition, which was “The 12 Days of Christmas.”
Instead, this year’s winners for the category of vehicle or float went to Kaehler Dairy Farms for first place, JS Nowak for second place,and Vineyard Christian Middle School for third.
In the second category, nonvehicle, Lodi High marching band won first place, Double Diamond Dance took second, and third place went to Tokay High junior varsity and varsity cheerleaders.
In the final category of unique, Ken and Mary Jackson got first place, Raptor Force Engineering and Robotics won second place and third place went to Cipponeri golf cart rentals.
“It was an amazing event and great night that went really well,” said Somera.