Saturday will be Merson’s 24th year leading the Christmas Parade as chairman, a job that oversees garnering parade entries, making arrangements for parade day, ensuring the lineup, and other duties shared by hardworking members of the Optimist Club. Merson said that the weather looks perfect for Saturday’s parade, which has only been cancelled once - and only after being rescheduled several times - due to rain.But usually inclement weather holds off for the Christmas Parade, even just for a few hours. Several times over past years it was raining before the parade, stopped in time for the procession to proceed, then poured thereafter, including one year that saw flash flood warnings within hours of the parade’s end.It’s impossible for the weather to deter “Light Up A Life,” which moves indoors at the Blanchard Community Library in case of rain. This year’s “Light Up A Life” is starting at 4:30 p.m., and is featuring a pre-ceremony concert by the Gospel Singers.Hospice President Cathy Barringer promises that the theme of the event - stars - will be well represented, with star cookies as well as the stars that twinkle on the big tree to memorialize lost loved ones or to honor living family or friends, even beloved pets. After the magnificent tree is lit with the special stars, community volunteers read the names of those memorialized or honored.“Light Up A Life” stars are still available for only $10, and those purchased even during the event will be added to the readers’ list. Call Hospice at 525-1333 for more information.
Saturday offers Optimist Christmas Parade, Hospice Light Up A Life
November 25, 2005
Santa Paula News
The turkey has been reduced to leftovers, the Friday shopping frenzy is over, and Saturday is the day to celebrate the holiday in Santa Paula with two family events to be held just around the corner in the Downtown Central Business District.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesThe turkey has been reduced to leftovers, the Friday shopping frenzy is over, and Saturday is the day to celebrate the holiday in Santa Paula with two family events to be held just around the corner in the Downtown Central Business District.The 56th Annual Optimist Club Christmas Parade with Grand Marshal Congressman Elton Gallegly will step out onto Main Street at 10 a.m. At 4:30 p.m., Hospice of Santa Clara Valley will hold its “Light Up A Life” celebration at the United Water Conservation District parking lot’s big tree just north of the corner at 8th and Main streets.After the parade and before “Light Up A Life,” Santa Paulans and visitors will have plenty of time to visit area merchants and see what holiday delights they offer for gift giving or just as a treat for the buyer’s own enjoyment.The Optimist Club Christmas Parade is the oldest such holiday celebration in Ventura County. It began in 1950 when held Friday, December 15. “Kids saw Santa Claus at the fire station after he came down Main Street on a fire engine,” according to the official Parade History prepared by Pam and Ron Merson.
