A large crowd turned out to enjoy the festivities on a gray, chilly Saturday in Riverbank, with the ‘California Christmas’ event hosted on Dec. 13. It featured both the craft fair and holiday light parade.
While craft and merchandise booths were in full swing along Third Street, there was also a varied assortment of food and beverage booths open for business as well, giving attendees plenty to keep them busy prior to the 5:30 p.m. parade time.
“The 56th annual Riverbank Christmas Parade was an absolute snowy, cheery, merry Christmas blast,” said Virginia Still of the Riverbank Parks and Rec Department, who served as one of the parade emcees on Saturday evening. “This year’s ‘California Christmas’ theme brought so much sparkle, joy, and holiday cheer down the streets of Riverbank, and we couldn’t have done it without you.”
She also noted the efforts of Erika Pena, who coordinated the craft fair, as being key to the day’s success.
Serving as parade judges were retired Riverbank Recreation Supervisor Kerrie Webb, local businessman Dano Friedman and Pastor Josh McCay.
For Webb, being a judge and having a front row seat to the Saturday festivities was an enjoyable task.
“I think it’s great, there’s a lot of new people in Riverbank and it’s growing, and downtown is getting bigger and better,” Webb said. “This is very amazing.”
Friedman operates the Soul Patch tattoo business downtown while McCay serves as pastor at the New Life Church of the Nazarene. Both were also happy to take part and cast votes for their favorite parade entries.
Parade winners by category were:
Floats – Riverbank Outlaws Youth Football and Cheer
Best Overall Group – Mesa Verde Elementary
Best Overall Automobile – Terry Barrett, 1956 Chevy Bel Air with 1956 Shasta Travel Trailer
School Marching Band and Guard: Cardozo Middle School
Motorcycle/Tricycle/ATV: Ernie Camarena, Disney-themed ATV
Street vendors had unique, colorful items on carts that drew the attention of the kids, while some of the brightly decorated floats in the parade also spewed out snow that created a flurry of excitement along the route as well.
Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived on top of Engine 26 from Stanislaus Consolidated and then spent some time at the Plaza del Rio Park downtown for the tree lighting and photo opportunities.
It was a very successful winter celebration for the city, with smiles all around.
“From all of us at City of Riverbank Parks and Recreation – your creativity, energy, and holiday spirit truly made this event one to remember,” Still said.
