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Saturday, Dec. 05, 2009

Christmas on parade in Atwater

'Twas the night before the Merced Christmas Parade and the streets of Atwater teamed with all things that glittered, marched, sang and clamored for the annual Atwater Christmas Parade on Friday night.

Sandwiched between dancers, motorcycles, firetrucks, cars and local groups in holiday garb cramming floats strung with festive lights, marching bands from Atwater high schools and middle schools played to the crowd of hundreds.

The lineup of Christmas characters included the usual suspects: Frosty, Rudolph, the Grinch and the Man in the Red Suit himself closing out the parade.

The sleepy eyes of youngsters lit up as Santa's antique fire engine carried him down Broadway.

After a good night's rest, Santa makes his way to downtown Merced on Saturday (today), arriving sometime after 3 p.m. at the Merced Christmas Parade.

The Merced Christmas Parade starts at 3 p.m. at G and Main streets and makes its way down Main to the finish at N Street.

A winter carnival including food and craft vendors will open at 11 a.m. in Bob Hart Square and will remain open into the evening. Before the parade, at 1 p.m., a fountain will be dedicated to Susie Rossi, the woman responsible for bringing the parade back from its decades-long hiatus.

The parade ends with the annual tree lighting ceremony and carolers in the Square.