A frigid wave of un-California-like weather air blew in from
Alaska this week, kicking off a holiday season where gloves and
mufflers are more common than not.
A frigid wave of un-California-like weather air blew in from Alaska this week, kicking off a holiday season where gloves and mufflers are more common than not.
The weather is expected to remain cold – highs of 50 – with a slight chance that rain Saturday that could dampen the holiday parade.
On Saturday, Santa Claus will preside over his Magic Ship in the annual holiday parade sponsored by Morgan Hill Kiwanis. The parade, starting at 5:30pm, will march, roll or float along Monterey Road downtown from Fifth to First streets, past trees, lightposts, shops and restaurants decked out with lights and festive attire.
Residents are encouraged to dress warmly and arrive early to reserve a prime watching spot. The parade goes on rain or shine, though two years ago it was canceled when a deluge of Biblical proportions presented a real safety hazard for participants.
Santa and his ship, sponsored by Boy Scout Troop 799, will end up, at about 6:45pm, on East First Street, where hot cider, snacks, live entertainment and surprises for children await.
When the parade ends, Mayor Dennis Kennedy will flip the switch, officially lighting the huge city tree in the median at Monterey Road and First Street.
Earlier, at 4pm, school children will be decorating a series of Christmas trees indoors and out at the Community Center, Dunne Avenue and Monterey Road. The most stunning trees will win prizes for the school responsible, all sponsored for the second year by Hometown Holidays, Inc. Parade-goers are encouraged to stop by after the parade to see the trees that will be on display until Dec. 22.
And then, let the shopping begin.
Downtown shops and restaurants will mostly stay open late on Saturday so parade goers can pick up a few things for the holidays. Parents can parade their youngsters through toy stores, bike shops or the Downtown Mall (to name a few) and see what lights up their eyes.
As an extra holiday treat, the Morgan Hill Performing Arts Guild will present a free musical theater production, with local talent, at 7pm Saturday, Dec. 11, and 2pm Sunday, Dec. 12, at the Morgan Hill Playhouse, Monterey Road at East Fifth Street.
