The Christmas spirit is contagious and can be found to be particularly catching in small towns where holiday events bring together community members, such as Turlock’s Downtown Christmas Parade.

The Turlock Downtown Parade is in its 35th year with this year’s theme being “Rockin’ through the Holidays.” Attendees can gather at historic Main Street in downtown Turlock as early as 4 p.m. on Dec. 6 to enjoy holiday music and scope out the local vendors that will post up along Main Street. At 6:30 p.m., the procession will commence at the intersection of Johnson Road and Canal Drive and then proceed from Canal to Main Street, ending up at the county fairgrounds on Broadway. In previous years attendance has been in the hundreds, and this year aims to be no exception as many community members have made the event an annual tradition.

“I haven’t missed a parade in the years that I’ve been mayor; I’ll be there with my whole family,” said Turlock Mayor John Lazar, who noted that the event is a collaborative effort among the City of Turlock and the Downtown Property Owners’ Association.

This year’s parade is sponsored by the Turlock Firefighters Local Post 2434.

Dee Dee Thomas, director of the TDPOA, remarked that she has seen participation grow since the parade became an evening event about 10 years ago.

 “I really like that is became a night parade and that the children are involved so heavily. It is full of life for the kids who love to see all the lights and such a fun event,” said Thomas.

Those with questions can call 668-5594 or visit www.cityofturlock.org/christmasparade.





— ELIZABETH ARAKELIAN / The 209