Napans Delight In 60th Annual Christmas Parade

NAPA, CA — Thousands bundled up and flocked to downtown Napa for the 60th annual Christmas parade Saturday evening.

According to Julie Morales, who organizes parades and events for the Downtown Napa Association, there were 39 entries, some of which were first-timers.

In years past, the parade took place the morning after Thanksgiving, with Santa making an appearance at the end of the parade. St. Nick did not disappoint, keeping the tradition by making a grand entrance at the end of this year's parade. A green Grinch tried to steal the show by riding in a red sleigh, but the children in the crowd were not fooled.

Several horses and their riders pranced their way through the parade. Dogs and a couple of chickens were also spotted. Car and vehicle enthusiasts were out in force, decked out with holiday lights.

Bill Dodd, who recently retired from his long-held seat in the state Senate, was the parade marshal and rode with his family in a motorized trolley.

Morales said judges awarded the Napa Jr. Girls Softball League the Best Theme, the Napa High School Marching Band the Best Music, and the Napa American Little League All-Stars the Best/Most Use of Lights.

The Sea Scout Ship Chaser crew did the massive clean-up after the parade.

The Kiwanis, the city of Napa and the Bank of Marin also sponsored this year's parade, Morales said.