Adelanto’s 19th Annual Christmas Parade on Saturday was a caravan of holiday joy as it traveled along a stretch of Seneca Road.
Similar to the city’s inaugural parade in December 2004, the recent parade was bathed in sunshine, warmer weather and plenty of smiles from the hundreds in attendance.
One highlight was Adelanto City Council and Planning Commission members throwing treats to excited parade-goers along the route.
Even before the parade began, several children were heard asking when Santa Claus would drive by.
“He’s excited to see Santa,” said Cindy Alvarez about her 5-year-old son, Tyler. “He’s been waiting for this day since Thanksgiving.”
Former Councilwoman Joy Jeanette served as grand marshal of the parade, which included marching bands, school groups, dancers, lowriders, youth sports teams and holiday-themed vehicles.
Mayor Pro Tem Daniel Ramos and his family rode in the parade with a nearly 30-foot-tall inflatable Grinch statue, which drew cheers from many in the crowd.
“You could see that massive Grinch from almost a half mile away,” Adelanto resident Cindy Meyers told the Daily Press. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen an inflatable that tall in a High Desert parade.”
Some of the participating schools included Barstow Junior High, Silverado High School and Riverside Preparatory School.
At the end of the parade, Santa was seen walking amongst the crowd as he hugged children and took selfies with families.
“What a beautiful day for a beautiful parade,” Santa told the Daily Press. “I want to wish everyone in Adelanto a Merry Christmas. Ho, ho, ho!”
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Santa, Grinch steal spotlight at Adelanto’s spirited Annual Christmas Parade
Reporting by Rene Ray De La Cruz, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
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