Groups getting geared up for Merced’s Christmas parade
Scores of groups have spent the past few days preparing their floats, vehicles, horses or other modes of transportation for the annual Merced Christmas parade.
The Active 20-30 Club’s parade, with this year’s theme of “A Miracle on Main Street,” is accompanied by a holiday run and a craft fair planned for Saturday.
Volunteers with the Salvation Army Corps of Merced and local children readied the group’s emergency vehicle, called “The Canteen,” by covering it with tinsel, lights and other decorations Friday.
Assistant Angel Amezquitas, 28, said this will be the second year the local group will participate.
The Merced Christmas celebrations start with live music and the fair at 11 a.m. Saturday.
Several races are also planned that day as part of the Jingle Bell Run, which begins in the 500 block of West Main Street and goes through downtown. Race times are staggered after 11:30 a.m. The fee for the 2-mile run or walk varies depending on age.
The parade kicks off at 3 p.m. on West Main Street, and the tree will be lit afterward in Bob Hart Square.
The yuletide festivities don’t stop there.
The Merced County Courthouse Museum will host its 31st annual Christmas tree exhibit from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at 21st and N streets. The exhibit will feature more than 65 trees, all decorated by different organizations with various themes.
The open house will include performances by the Central Presbyterian Church Handbell Choir, Caitlin’s Suzuki Violin Studio, Harmony Valley Chorus, Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School Christmas Choir, Cruickshank Middle School Tiger Choir and Golden Valley High School Jazz Ensemble.
The Salvation Army is also readying its Christmas play, “Three Wise Men and a Baby,” which is set for 9:30 a.m. Dec. 20 at its 1440 12th St. building.
The group offers free children’s programs three days a week. For more information, call the center at 209-383-4225.
This story was originally published December 4, 2015 at 6:43 PM with the headline "Groups getting geared up for Merced’s Christmas parade."