GALT, CA (MPG) - Along the route, long before the Lighting of the Night Parade started on Dec. 7, residents of Galt and the surrounding area staked out their watching positions with collapsible stadium chairs. 

By 4 p.m., visitors, often wearing Santa or elf hats, antlers, or sweaters and necklaces with flashing lights flocked to the nearby Littleton Center to hear a Christmas-themed concert. 

The opening brass and woodwind ensemble performed Christmas classics such as “Silent Night” and “Jingle Bells.”

 A combined choir of students from four Galt elementary schools joined in singing some not-so-familiar seasonal songs about holiday lights and a sparkling Christmas tree. Choir teachers from the schools took turns leading the group.

On this day, Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor Day, they also sang a song honoring veterans and asked service members to stand and be recognized by the audience. 

Other groups followed with more entertainment: a seventh-grade choir and a band from McCaffery Middle School. All were soundly applauded by the standing-room-only crowd.

Across the way from the auditorium at Galt City Hall, children decorated cookies and made art projects with snowmen and gingerbread people. Others waited their turn to get their pictures taken with Santa Claus, portrayed by Brian King.

Vendors along E Street displayed handmade goods. 

Mayer Paul Sandhu officiated over the lighting of the tree and lights at City Hall before the parade.

Over at the Galt Market, floats were being marshaled into line to take their place when the parade would begin. 

 “We have been a presence at this parade for 10 years. We started with wooden cutouts on our truck,” said Stephanie Robertson from Rich’s Hauling and Junk Removal.

Now they have two large floats with blow-up characters such as Frosty the Snowman.

“This is our second year in the parade,” said Stephen Rangel of Winsupply, who distributes pipes, valves and fittings in several California cities. “Many of my employees live here in Galt, so it is fun for them and their families.”

Thompson’s Taekwondo instructors and students boarded their float wearing their Doboks (the standard white uniform for practicing their art) and their earned belts.

Laura Espinoza and her family and friends rode on a float pulled by a decorated 1947 Farmall Cub Tractor. 

Friends of Rick Strickland, who call themselves “Big Toys for Boys,” have spent years together. 

“For the last eight to 10 years, this is another thing we do,” Strickland said.

Trucks, cars, motorcycles and scooters decked out in lights joined the floats.

Spectators enjoyed the parade as they leaned forward to see what was coming down the street next. Trucks tooted their horns; children waved back. Holiday music in English and Spanish poured out through loudspeakers. The Galt High School cheerleaders strutted down the street, dancing and singing. Fake snow floated overhead. Bubbles floated out of machines and children and adults popped them.

“We enjoyed the parade last year, so we came again,” said Vanessa Palafax, who brought her two children, ages seven and five. “I love the vibe.” 

The official count isn’t in but there were more than 100 floats, so many that some hadn’t left the market grounds before the beginning floats finished the route. 

This was interim City Manager Chris Erias’ first time leading off the parade with Galt Police Chief Brian Kalinowski. 

“The Lighting of the Night Parade was fabulous,” said Erias. “Participation in the parade was unbelievable. The citizens of Galt showed tremendous Christmas spirit. We had over 100 floats and I think the whole city showed up to watch; the parade route was full of spectators. City staff did a great job planning, organizing and managing the event. Special shout-out to the parks and rec team: outstanding job.”

The event was made possible by sponsors Sacramento Municipal Utility District, Cal-Waste Recovery Systems, Papas &Wings, Galt District Chamber of Commerce, Jesse the Tree Guy, Giddens Bros., the Saturday Market and Ramos Jewelers.