Festive Fun: Gustine's annual parade celebrates Christmas of old

CHRISTOPHER WINTERFELDT/cwinterfeldt@mercedsun-star.com

The Quadrille Queens ride Saturday in Gustine's annual Christmas parade.

CHRISTOPHER WINTERFELDT/cwinterfeldt@mercedsun-star.com

Two-year-old Colton Bloom and dad Andrew Bloom drive a tractor through downtown as part of the parade.

CHRISTOPHER WINTERFELDT/cwinterfeldt@mercedsun-star.com

Santa gives candy to eager youngsters.

CHRISTOPHER WINTERFELDT/cwinterfeldt@mercedsun-star.com At front left, Jacob Valenzuela, 5, and Holly Blythe, 7; and from rear left, Marissa Maldonado, 17, Olivia Tejeda, 17, and Frankie Ramirez, 17, ride in the Miss Newman and Court 2012 float as the Gustine community gathered in downtown for the tree-lighting and Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday night (11-24-12). Hundreds showed up to events throughout the day for an "Olde Fashion Christmas at Home" sponsored by the Gustine Chamber of Commerce. Events included a community pancake breakfast, that was free to the public, and fed over 800 people. There was also a craft fair with over 40 vendors, a Santa's workshop where kids could do arts and crafts, and fire truck rides sponsored by the Gustine Volunteer Firemen. The main event happened in the evening with the lighting of the Christmas on 5th Street in downtown followed by a Lighted Christmas Parade featuring big rigs and tractors covered in Christmas lights.

CHRISTOPHER WINTERFELDT/cwinterfeldt@mercedsun-star.com At front left, Jacob Valenzuela, 5, and Holly Blythe, 7; and from rear left, Marissa Maldonado, 17, Olivia Tejeda, 17, and Frankie Ramirez, 17, ride in the Miss Newman and Court 2012 float as the Gustine community gathered in downtown for the tree-lighting and Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday night (11-24-12). Hundreds showed up to events throughout the day for an "Olde Fashion Christmas at Home" sponsored by the Gustine Chamber of Commerce. Events included a community pancake breakfast, that was free to the public, and fed over 800 people. There was also a craft fair with over 40 vendors, a Santa's workshop where kids could do arts and crafts, and fire truck rides sponsored by the Gustine Volunteer Firemen. The main event happened in the evening with the lighting of the Christmas on 5th Street in downtown followed by a Lighted Christmas Parade featuring big rigs and tractors covered in Christmas lights.

CHRISTOPHER WINTERFELDT/cwinterfeldt@mercedsun-star.com Children wave as they ride on the Westside Feed and Supply float as the Gustine community gathered in downtown for the tree-lighting and Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday night (11-24-12). Hundreds showed up to events throughout the day for an "Olde Fashion Christmas at Home" sponsored by the Gustine Chamber of Commerce. Events included a community pancake breakfast, that was free to the public, and fed over 800 people. There was also a craft fair with over 40 vendors, a Santa's workshop where kids could do arts and crafts, and fire truck rides sponsored by the Gustine Volunteer Firemen. The main event happened in the evening with the lighting of the Christmas on 5th Street in downtown followed by a Lighted Christmas Parade featuring big rigs and tractors covered in Christmas lights.

CHRISTOPHER WINTERFELDT/cwinterfeldt@mercedsun-star.com The Westside Feed and Supply float is well lit as the Gustine community gathered in downtown for the tree-lighting and Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday night (11-24-12). Hundreds showed up to events throughout the day for an "Olde Fashion Christmas at Home" sponsored by the Gustine Chamber of Commerce. Events included a community pancake breakfast, that was free to the public, and fed over 800 people. There was also a craft fair with over 40 vendors, a Santa's workshop where kids could do arts and crafts, and fire truck rides sponsored by the Gustine Volunteer Firemen. The main event happened in the evening with the lighting of the Christmas on 5th Street in downtown followed by a Lighted Christmas Parade featuring big rigs and tractors covered in Christmas lights.

CHRISTOPHER WINTERFELDT/cwinterfeldt@mercedsun-star.com Children from the Newman Crows Landing Union School District Drama Club walk the parade route as the Gustine community gathered in downtown for the tree-lighting and Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday night (11-24-12). Hundreds showed up to events throughout the day for an "Olde Fashion Christmas at Home" sponsored by the Gustine Chamber of Commerce. Events included a community pancake breakfast, that was free to the public, and fed over 800 people. There was also a craft fair with over 40 vendors, a Santa's workshop where kids could do arts and crafts, and fire truck rides sponsored by the Gustine Volunteer Firemen. The main event happened in the evening with the lighting of the Christmas on 5th Street in downtown followed by a Lighted Christmas Parade featuring big rigs and tractors covered in Christmas lights.

CHRISTOPHER WINTERFELDT/cwinterfeldt@mercedsun-star.com Colton Bloom, 2, and dad Andrew Bloom, 32, of Gustine, drive a tractor pulling the Bloom Farms float as the Gustine community gathered in downtown for the tree-lighting and Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday night (11-24-12). Hundreds showed up to events throughout the day for an "Olde Fashion Christmas at Home" sponsored by the Gustine Chamber of Commerce. Events included a community pancake breakfast, that was free to the public, and fed over 800 people. There was also a craft fair with over 40 vendors, a Santa's workshop where kids could do arts and crafts, and fire truck rides sponsored by the Gustine Volunteer Firemen. The main event happened in the evening with the lighting of the Christmas on 5th Street in downtown followed by a Lighted Christmas Parade featuring big rigs and tractors covered in Christmas lights.

CHRISTOPHER WINTERFELDT/cwinterfeldt@mercedsun-star.com Colton Bloom, 2, and dad Andrew Bloom, 32, of Gustine, drive a tractor pulling the Bloom Farms float as the Gustine community gathered in downtown for the tree-lighting and Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday night (11-24-12). Hundreds showed up to events throughout the day for an "Olde Fashion Christmas at Home" sponsored by the Gustine Chamber of Commerce. Events included a community pancake breakfast, that was free to the public, and fed over 800 people. There was also a craft fair with over 40 vendors, a Santa's workshop where kids could do arts and crafts, and fire truck rides sponsored by the Gustine Volunteer Firemen. The main event happened in the evening with the lighting of the Christmas on 5th Street in downtown followed by a Lighted Christmas Parade featuring big rigs and tractors covered in Christmas lights.

CHRISTOPHER WINTERFELDT/cwinterfeldt@mercedsun-star.com Santa and Mrs. Clause made their way down from the from the North as the Gustine community gathered in downtown for the tree-lighting and Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday night (11-24-12). Hundreds showed up to events throughout the day for an "Olde Fashion Christmas at Home" sponsored by the Gustine Chamber of Commerce. Events included a community pancake breakfast, that was free to the public, and fed over 800 people. There was also a craft fair with over 40 vendors, a Santa's workshop where kids could do arts and crafts, and fire truck rides sponsored by the Gustine Volunteer Firemen. The main event happened in the evening with the lighting of the Christmas on 5th Street in downtown followed by a Lighted Christmas Parade featuring big rigs and tractors covered in Christmas lights.

CHRISTOPHER WINTERFELDT/cwinterfeldt@mercedsun-star.com Mrs. Clause says hello to the kids as the Gustine community gathered in downtown for the tree-lighting and Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday night (11-24-12). Hundreds showed up to events throughout the day for an "Olde Fashion Christmas at Home" sponsored by the Gustine Chamber of Commerce. Events included a community pancake breakfast, that was free to the public, and fed over 800 people. There was also a craft fair with over 40 vendors, a Santa's workshop where kids could do arts and crafts, and fire truck rides sponsored by the Gustine Volunteer Firemen. The main event happened in the evening with the lighting of the Christmas on 5th Street in downtown followed by a Lighted Christmas Parade featuring big rigs and tractors covered in Christmas lights.

CHRISTOPHER WINTERFELDT/cwinterfeldt@mercedsun-star.com Mrs. Clause hangs out at the clam chowder booth as the Gustine community gathered in downtown for the tree-lighting and Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday night (11-24-12). Hundreds showed up to events throughout the day for an "Olde Fashion Christmas at Home" sponsored by the Gustine Chamber of Commerce. Events included a community pancake breakfast, that was free to the public, and fed over 800 people. There was also a craft fair with over 40 vendors, a Santa's workshop where kids could do arts and crafts, and fire truck rides sponsored by the Gustine Volunteer Firemen. The main event happened in the evening with the lighting of the Christmas on 5th Street in downtown followed by a Lighted Christmas Parade featuring big rigs and tractors covered in Christmas lights.

CHRISTOPHER WINTERFELDT/cwinterfeldt@mercedsun-star.com Gustine High School cheerleaders sit in Santa hats as the Gustine community gathered in downtown for the tree lighting and Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday night (11-24-12). Hundreds showed up to events throughout the day for an "Olde Fashion Christmas at Home" sponsored by the Gustine Chamber of Commerce. Events included a community pancake breakfast, that was free to the public, and fed over 800 people. There was also a craft fair with over 40 vendors, a Santa's workshop where kids could do arts and crafts, and fire truck rides sponsored by the Gustine Volunteer Firemen. The main event happened in the evening with the lighting of the Christmas on 5th Street in downtown followed by a Lighted Christmas Parade featuring big rigs and tractors covered in Christmas lights.

CHRISTOPHER WINTERFELDT/cwinterfeldt@mercedsun-star.com Cornerstone Dance Crew, a childrens dance troop, provide entertainment as the Gustine community gathered in downtown for the tree-lighting and Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday night (11-24-12). Hundreds showed up to events throughout the day for an "Olde Fashion Christmas at Home" sponsored by the Gustine Chamber of Commerce. Events included a community pancake breakfast, that was free to the public, and fed over 800 people. There was also a craft fair with over 40 vendors, a Santa's workshop where kids could do arts and crafts, and fire truck rides sponsored by the Gustine Volunteer Firemen. The main event happened in the evening with the lighting of the Christmas on 5th Street in downtown followed by a Lighted Christmas Parade featuring big rigs and tractors covered in Christmas lights.

CHRISTOPHER WINTERFELDT/cwinterfeldt@mercedsun-star.com The Gustine community gathered in downtown for the tree-lighting and Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday night (11-24-12). Hundreds showed up to events throughout the day for an "Olde Fashion Christmas at Home" sponsored by the Gustine Chamber of Commerce. Events included a community pancake breakfast, that was free to the public, and fed over 800 people. There was also a craft fair with over 40 vendors, a Santa's workshop where kids could do arts and crafts, and fire truck rides sponsored by the Gustine Volunteer Firemen. The main event happened in the evening with the lighting of the Christmas on 5th Street in downtown followed by a Lighted Christmas Parade featuring big rigs and tractors covered in Christmas lights.

CHRISTOPHER WINTERFELDT/cwinterfeldt@mercedsun-star.com The Gustine community gathered in downtown for the tree-lighting and Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday night (11-24-12). Hundreds showed up to events throughout the day for an "Olde Fashion Christmas at Home" sponsored by the Gustine Chamber of Commerce. Events included a community pancake breakfast, that was free to the public, and fed over 800 people. There was also a craft fair with over 40 vendors, a Santa's workshop where kids could do arts and crafts, and fire truck rides sponsored by the Gustine Volunteer Firemen. The main event happened in the evening with the lighting of the Christmas on 5th Street in downtown followed by a Lighted Christmas Parade featuring big rigs and tractors covered in Christmas lights.

CHRISTOPHER WINTERFELDT/cwinterfeldt@mercedsun-star.com Mrs. Clause and her elves ride in a trailer pulled by a tractor in the parade as the Gustine community gathered in downtown for the tree-lighting and Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday night (11-24-12). Hundreds showed up to events throughout the day for an "Olde Fashion Christmas at Home" sponsored by the Gustine Chamber of Commerce. Events included a community pancake breakfast, that was free to the public, and fed over 800 people. There was also a craft fair with over 40 vendors, a Santa's workshop where kids could do arts and crafts, and fire truck rides sponsored by the Gustine Volunteer Firemen. The main event happened in the evening with the lighting of the Christmas on 5th Street in downtown followed by a Lighted Christmas Parade featuring big rigs and tractors covered in Christmas lights.

CHRISTOPHER WINTERFELDT/cwinterfeldt@mercedsun-star.com Mrs. Clause and her elves ride in a trailer pulled by a tractor in the parade as the Gustine community gathered in downtown for the tree-lighting and Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday night (11-24-12). Hundreds showed up to events throughout the day for an "Olde Fashion Christmas at Home" sponsored by the Gustine Chamber of Commerce. Events included a community pancake breakfast, that was free to the public, and fed over 800 people. There was also a craft fair with over 40 vendors, a Santa's workshop where kids could do arts and crafts, and fire truck rides sponsored by the Gustine Volunteer Firemen. The main event happened in the evening with the lighting of the Christmas on 5th Street in downtown followed by a Lighted Christmas Parade featuring big rigs and tractors covered in Christmas lights.

CHRISTOPHER WINTERFELDT/cwinterfeldt@mercedsun-star.com The Mello Milk Transport truck is lit up with Christmas lights as the Gustine community gathered in downtown for the tree-lighting and Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday night (11-24-12). Hundreds showed up to events throughout the day for an "Olde Fashion Christmas at Home" sponsored by the Gustine Chamber of Commerce. Events included a community pancake breakfast, that was free to the public, and fed over 800 people. There was also a craft fair with over 40 vendors, a Santa's workshop where kids could do arts and crafts, and fire truck rides sponsored by the Gustine Volunteer Firemen. The main event happened in the evening with the lighting of the Christmas on 5th Street in downtown followed by a Lighted Christmas Parade featuring big rigs and tractors covered in Christmas lights.

CHRISTOPHER WINTERFELDT/cwinterfeldt@mercedsun-star.com The Mello Milk Transport truck is lit up with Christmas lights as the Gustine community gathered in downtown for the tree-lighting and Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday night (11-24-12). Hundreds showed up to events throughout the day for an "Olde Fashion Christmas at Home" sponsored by the Gustine Chamber of Commerce. Events included a community pancake breakfast, that was free to the public, and fed over 800 people. There was also a craft fair with over 40 vendors, a Santa's workshop where kids could do arts and crafts, and fire truck rides sponsored by the Gustine Volunteer Firemen. The main event happened in the evening with the lighting of the Christmas on 5th Street in downtown followed by a Lighted Christmas Parade featuring big rigs and tractors covered in Christmas lights.

CHRISTOPHER WINTERFELDT/cwinterfeldt@mercedsun-star.com Children ride on the Westside 4-H Club float as the Gustine community gathered in downtown for the tree-lighting and Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday night (11-24-12). Hundreds showed up to events throughout the day for an "Olde Fashion Christmas at Home" sponsored by the Gustine Chamber of Commerce. Events included a community pancake breakfast, that was free to the public, and fed over 800 people. There was also a craft fair with over 40 vendors, a Santa's workshop where kids could do arts and crafts, and fire truck rides sponsored by the Gustine Volunteer Firemen. The main event happened in the evening with the lighting of the Christmas on 5th Street in downtown followed by a Lighted Christmas Parade featuring big rigs and tractors covered in Christmas lights.

CHRISTOPHER WINTERFELDT/cwinterfeldt@mercedsun-star.com Children ride on the Westside 4-H Club float as the Gustine community gathered in downtown for the tree-lighting and Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday night (11-24-12). Hundreds showed up to events throughout the day for an "Olde Fashion Christmas at Home" sponsored by the Gustine Chamber of Commerce. Events included a community pancake breakfast, that was free to the public, and fed over 800 people. There was also a craft fair with over 40 vendors, a Santa's workshop where kids could do arts and crafts, and fire truck rides sponsored by the Gustine Volunteer Firemen. The main event happened in the evening with the lighting of the Christmas on 5th Street in downtown followed by a Lighted Christmas Parade featuring big rigs and tractors covered in Christmas lights.

CHRISTOPHER WINTERFELDT/cwinterfeldt@mercedsun-star.com Children ride on the Westside 4-H Club float as the Gustine community gathered in downtown for the tree-lighting and Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday night (11-24-12). Hundreds showed up to events throughout the day for an "Olde Fashion Christmas at Home" sponsored by the Gustine Chamber of Commerce. Events included a community pancake breakfast, that was free to the public, and fed over 800 people. There was also a craft fair with over 40 vendors, a Santa's workshop where kids could do arts and crafts, and fire truck rides sponsored by the Gustine Volunteer Firemen. The main event happened in the evening with the lighting of the Christmas on 5th Street in downtown followed by a Lighted Christmas Parade featuring big rigs and tractors covered in Christmas lights.

CHRISTOPHER WINTERFELDT/cwinterfeldt@mercedsun-star.com Fernando Simas, 41 of Los Banos, drives a tractor pulling the Salsa Family float, a float made in remembrance of late Gustine dairyman Angelo Salsa, as the Gustine community gathered in downtown for the tree-lighting and Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday night (11-24-12). Hundreds showed up to events throughout the day for an "Olde Fashion Christmas at Home" sponsored by the Gustine Chamber of Commerce. Events included a community pancake breakfast, that was free to the public, and fed over 800 people. There was also a craft fair with over 40 vendors, a Santa's workshop where kids could do arts and crafts, and fire truck rides sponsored by the Gustine Volunteer Firemen. The main event happened in the evening with the lighting of the Christmas on 5th Street in downtown followed by a Lighted Christmas Parade featuring big rigs and tractors covered in Christmas lights.

CHRISTOPHER WINTERFELDT/cwinterfeldt@mercedsun-star.com Fernando Simas, 41 of Los Banos, drives a tractor pulling the Salsa Family float, a float made in remembrance of late Gustine dairyman Angelo Salsa, as the Gustine community gathered in downtown for the tree-lighting and Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday night (11-24-12). Hundreds showed up to events throughout the day for an "Olde Fashion Christmas at Home" sponsored by the Gustine Chamber of Commerce. Events included a community pancake breakfast, that was free to the public, and fed over 800 people. There was also a craft fair with over 40 vendors, a Santa's workshop where kids could do arts and crafts, and fire truck rides sponsored by the Gustine Volunteer Firemen. The main event happened in the evening with the lighting of the Christmas on 5th Street in downtown followed by a Lighted Christmas Parade featuring big rigs and tractors covered in Christmas lights.

CHRISTOPHER WINTERFELDT/cwinterfeldt@mercedsun-star.com At front left, Jacob Valenzuela, 5, and Holly Blythe, 7; and from rear left, Marissa Maldonado, 17, Olivia Tejeda, 17, and Frankie Ramirez, 17, ride in the Miss Newman and Court 2012 float as the Gustine community gathered in downtown for the tree-lighting and Lighted Christmas Parade on Saturday night (11-24-12). Hundreds showed up to events throughout the day for an "Olde Fashion Christmas at Home" sponsored by the Gustine Chamber of Commerce. Events included a community pancake breakfast, that was free to the public, and fed over 800 people. There was also a craft fair with over 40 vendors, a Santa's workshop where kids could do arts and crafts, and fire truck rides sponsored by the Gustine Volunteer Firemen. The main event happened in the evening with the lighting of the Christmas on 5th Street in downtown followed by a Lighted Christmas Parade featuring big rigs and tractors covered in Christmas lights.