Merced-area holiday events abound
The first week of December is set to get Merced-area residents into the holiday spirit with parades and other celebrations in several cities.
The Active 20-30 Club plans Merced’s annual Christmas parade, which has as its theme this year “A Miracle on Main Street.” A holiday run and craft fair are also part of the festivities.
The 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.
For more on Merced’s festivities, email merced2030@gmail.com or call 209-658-5617.
▪ Los Banos: The Los Banos Chamber of Commerce parade, with the theme “A Sesame Street Christmas,” kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday, starting at Fourth and G streets and ending in Henry Miller Plaza.
Once there, as is tradition, organizers will light the tree and hold a Christmas caroling session. For more information, call organizers at 209-826-2495 or 209-826-3831, ext. 6551.
▪ Atwater: “Christmas Past, Present and Future” is the theme for the annual Atwater Chamber of Commerce parade. It starts rolling at 7 p.m. Friday.
The procession begins at Foster’s Freeze, 1401 N. Winton Way, and continues to the Bloss Mansion, 1020 Cedar Ave., where Santa is typically waiting. For more information, call the chamber at 209-358-4251.
▪ Livingston: Christmas caroling, tree lighting and more are part of the city’s plans, which are themed “Home for the Holidays.”
Festivities begin downtown on Main Street at 5 p.m. Friday. Organizers plan the lighting of the “Court of Trees” at 6 p.m., followed by Christmas carols at Main and D streets.
The parade begins at 7 p.m. at Memorial Park and ends at D Street. For more information, call the city’s Recreation Department at 209-394-8830 or email recreation@livingstoncity.com.
▪ Chowchilla: The Lions Club has scheduled its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony for 5:30 p.m. Saturday.
The gathering is planned for Veterans Memorial Park, Robertson Boulevard at Sixth Street. This holiday tradition typically includes entertainment, community leaders and guests, the arrival of Santa Claus and the lighting of the city Christmas tree.
For more information, send an email to info@cityofchowchilla.org or call 559-665-8615, ext. 110.
This story was originally published November 29, 2015 at 3:43 PM with the headline "Merced-area holiday events abound."