The day after Thanksgiving, the Turlock Festival of Lights kicked off the holiday with a street faire and the city’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and now Christmas is right around the corner. The Turlock Downtown Property Owners Association (TDPOA) and the City of Turlock are gearing up for the 34th annual Christmas Parade. The theme for this year’s parade is ‘A California Christmas’, and will be held on Friday, December 7th, 2012, at 6:30pm.
The holiday parade, which drew an estimated 25,000 people last year, will light up the historic Main Street in Downtown Turlock.
While there is a slight chance of rain on Thursday, the day before the Christmas Parade, and even less of a chance of rain the day after, it is forecasted that there’s a zero percent chance of rain the day of the parade.
No matter if it is raining or not; City of Turlock Parks, Recreation and Public Facilities Superintendent Erik Schulze says, “the parade will run rain or shine.”
The event will feature food vendors, selling kettle corn, hot chocolate, coffee and much more, as well as craft vendors.
Downtown businesses will also be open during the event, so be sure to support your local downtown businesses while getting some Christmas shopping items checked off your list.
“We invite you downtown for another phenomenal year,” stated TDPOA Coordinator Dana McGarry.
The parade, which accepted the first 75 completed applications for parade entries, is currently at full capacity, however, the City of Turlock Recreation Division will be accepting wait list entries should a participant drop out last minute.
Since all parade entries are required to be illuminated, the historic Main Street in Downtown Turlock is sure to light up the evening with thousands of Christmas lights.
Judging categories for the parade include Majorette Solo/Group, Themed Entry (California Christmas), Equestrian, Youth Group, Commercial Entry, Antique Vehicle and Unique Entry. Judges will also give a special award for “Best Overall Use of Lights”.
The event will also feature horse carriage rides and pictures with Santa Clause.
Parade participants must attend a mandatory meeting on Monday, December 3rd, at 6pm, at the War Memorial, on Canal Drive. All entries must have one representative in attendance.
For more information regarding possible entries or wait list information, please call the City of Turlock Recreation Division at 209-668-5594.
