GALT, CA (MPG) - The Galt community ushered in the winter season Dec. 6 with its biggest annual celebration, the Lighting of the Night Parade, which once again filled the heart of downtown with residents, music and holiday cheer.

The parade was joined by other seasonal favorites, including the Holiday Market, Christmas caroling at the Littleton Center and the official tree-lighting outside city hall, creating a full weekend of festivities.

 

Pictured is the Holiday Market hosted on the 4th Street Promenade on Dec. 6, a local seasonal favorite that accompanies the Lighting of the Night Parade celebrations. Photo by Idaly Valencia

Residents had no shortage of activities to enjoy as Santa made multiple stops across town.

In addition to riding along the parade route, he visited historic sites such as the Rae Museum and McFarland Ranch, where families gathered for cookies, hot chocolate, photos and holiday memories.

This year’s parade followed a familiar path as it returned to C Street, a route modified in recent years due to road construction. Community members began setting up their seats along Fourth and C streets before sunset, and several businesses welcomed spectators with warm drinks and food.

The Galt Teen Center was among the prime viewing spots on C Street. The center hosted an open house for teens to stop by, watch movies and meet volunteers.

Founder Sarah McFadyen said the event offered a chance to connect with residents who may not know about the center or the services it offers to high school students.

“We’re really happy that we can invite the community to the teen center to see the teen center…” McFadyen said. “One woman put out her chairs this morning when we were setting up… she said, ‘I have a couple of teenagers in my family, and I don’t even know if they know about this.’”

She also noted that recent improvements along C Street have made walking and biking safer for teens.

 

A decorated parade float with hay bales and local youth aboard rolls down C Street. Photo by Paige Lampson

For community members, the new route this year was reminiscent of old times. Longtime resident David Najar said he has attended the parade for many years.

“I’ve attended the parade since the days when it used to go around town, I could even watch it from my front lawn,” Najar said.

The parade has become a family tradition, one he said they look forward to each year.

“My family and I look forward to it every year because of the beautiful displays and because my youngest daughter grew up watching it,” he said. “At this point, it’s become a special family tradition for us.”

Najar added that his family especially enjoyed the live music this year and said the return to C Street was a “wonderful touch.”

Veronica Campos, a born-and-raised Galtian, told The Galt Herald that the parade is also a hallmark tradition her family looks forward to every holiday season.

“It’s one of those hometown events that truly brings the community together and reminds us why Galt is such a special place to live,” Campos said.

She added that it is also a treat to see all of the local organizations, schools and youth groups that participate.

 

Newly appointed Mayor Bonnie Rodriguez rides in a gift-wrapped golf cart driven by her son, Zachary Rodriguez. Photo by Paige Lampson

“This year’s highlight for us was simply the joy and excitement throughout the entire parade,” Campos said. “The energy, the creativity of the floats and the smiles from families all along the route really captured what the holidays are all about… one of the best parades we’ve been to.”