In its 25-year history, Hollister’s Lights On Celebration has become more than just a parade featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus. Throughout the day on Nov. 28, multiple events helped ring in the holiday season downtown.
Sponsored by the Hollister Downtown Association, the day-long event featured a Christmas tree decorating contest, a holiday car show, and multiple performances including some by Mr. O’s Academy of Music, Itzpapalotl Aztec Dancers, and many others at the Veterans’ Memorial Building throughout the evening prior to the 5:30 p.m. parade.
The parade on San Benito Street opened up with Jaime the Elf prancing through the streets with local veterans behind her holding up flags. Kathleen Sheridan wrote about Jaime the Elf in 1995, saying, “In the quest for her Elfhood, Jaime discovers that only in the light of love, peace and hope does the true spirit of the season shine.” The HDA ways the Jaime’s is a story about the true meaning of the holiday season, and encourages children to think about what acts of kindness they can do during the holiday season to help Jaime light up downtown Hollister.”
More than 50 floats were in the parade, such as those representing the San Benito High School Color Guard, 4-H, Future Farmers of America, Community Food Bank, Ace Hardware, Savemart Supermarket (now known as Lucky Supermarket), Hollister Police, fire fighters, and sheriffs, and many more. Some crowd favorites included the motorcycles decorated with multiple lights; Pacheco 4-H, as the train from the hit movie Polar Express; and the Hollister Police Department, with the Grinch in the back of a vehicle.
Not only did citizens enjoy the event, so did downtown businesses.
Heavenly Bakery, located at 601 San Benito St., enjoyed a surge of customers all day Saturday. Chef Carlos Hernandez explained how business was “really good” due to Lights On. The best part for Hernandez and owner, Sheila Stevens, “is seeing the community, and new customers, so they can see our business,” Hernandez said.
Discount Furniture owner Sep Sarhadi said the Lights On Celebration generates business for his store.
“Having the parade, it helps advertise my store.” explained Sarhadi, noting that the parade provides a boost to get his business more known in the community.
Richard Alfaro attended the parade, which ended around 6:45 p.m., with his two daughters, Ema, 12, and Sofia, 10. Ema explained the parade was “entertaining because it kept people engaged throughout it.” Sofia noted how seeing Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus was a “very memorable moment” for her. Both enjoyed the Save Mart’s gigantic shopping cart and the hot chocolate their mother bought from Heavenly Bakery. They also said they enjoyed listening to the Rancho-Maze Band because their friends were participating in it.
Jasmin Cortez and Jackie Rodriguez, both San Benito High School seniors, attended the celebration, with Cortez explaining how it’s one of her favorite parades to watch in downtown Hollister. Rodriguez said she enjoyed the beauty of the lights and creativity of the floats.
You must be logged in to post a comment.