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San Juan Bautista enjoyed a very busy, festive night on Dec. 5.
Besides the annual, well-attended Holiday of Lights parade, a new business, Coyote Call, held its soft opening, and A Tree For Thee Christmas trees for needy families were on display at 310 Third Street.
Amid the festivities, Ryan Morris, who co-owns Coyote Call with Hailey Kemp, said the new establishment at 322 Third Street will formally open as a beer-and-wine bar in the spring.
“We’ve been working together in the industry,” Morris said, “and have worked in multiple businesses for many years. We are excited to venture out on our own to bring a new business to town with our own vision.”
Morris said they would host pop-up events until the official opening, but for now they were “just happy to see people having fun and sipping our hot chocolate.”
Hollister resident Kyle Roderick of Cool Ship Records served as DJ for the evening to support Coyote Call. He also enjoyed the parade.
“The lights are my favorite part,” Roderick said. “I also like that it’s part of the community and it’s a good opportunity for everyone to get together.”
Graciela Serna Nutter, executive director of San Juan Bautista Business Association, said that this year’s A Tree for Thee, which donated Christmas trees to families who usually cannot afford one, was themed “Christmas Around the World.”
“We have trees donated by December Ranch out of Aromas,” Nutter said. “We find sponsors, families and businesses who want to decorate the trees. They come and decorate the trees fully.”
Nutter said that she was pleased to see so many people enjoying themselves that night.
“The overall feeling, people were walking around feeling joy, kindness and goodwill,” she said. “It’s something we really desperately need right now and not only for the country, but for this world.”
The Rotary Club of San Juan Bautista has been sponsoring the Holiday of Lights Parade for 16 years, and this year the City of San Juan Bautista co-sponsored the parade.
E Clampus Vitus Chapter 1846 was one of the groups marching in the parade. Frank Sanchez, the “Humbug” or leader of the organization, said the evening made him feel the spirit of Christmas just by being around all the people.
“The fact that people gather and celebrate happiness and joy is great,” Sanchez said. “Family is a big thing for me.”
Veronica Vasquez of JMM Dance Co. brought 20 dancers to the parade, all students at San Juan School and each with their own special parts. Vasquez said this was the second year her company has participated in Holiday of Lights.
“We think it’s an amazing parade that really brings the community together,” Vasquez said. “We have so many great groups that work hard to showcase throughout the year for the community.”
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