Annual tradition 14 years old
Just as those Thanksgiving leftovers become ready for the garbage disposal, Morgan Hill turns its attention to the holiday season, whether it’s Kwaanza, Hanukkah or Christmas, with the annual Holiday Lights parade on Saturday.
Holiday decorations went up over the weekend, as Kiwanis came out to bring a festive feel to the downtown.
“It was a wonderful collaboration between the Kiwanis and Rotary Club members,” Parade Chair Barbara Kimmich said Monday. “We had some other volunteers as well, about 20 in all, and everyone enjoyed dressing up the downtown.”
For the 14th year, Morgan Hill Kiwanis is organizing the event, which begins at 5:30pm. As in the past, the fun will begin on Fourth Street, then the marchers will turn north on Monterey Road, continuing on to First Street.
Revelers will have not one but two high school bands to enjoy this year, as the Sobrato High Swing Marching Band makes its parade debut. Live Oak High’s award-winning Emerald Regime Marching Band will return to the line up.
Other returning entries include the PT Cruiser group from Monterey Bay and 70 dancers from Lana’s Dance Studio championship squads. Approximately 250 local Girl Scouts will join in, and local Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts will be marching in uniform.
An “honorary Scout” visitor from the far North will arrive on Troop 799’s Magic Ship. Children are invited to whisper their holiday wishes in his ear while parents snap some photos. Santa’s arrival will also be the cue for the ooh-aah finale of the parade, the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at First and Monterey.
Downtown driving will be off limits, beginning at 3pm. Depot Street, Monterey Road, both north and south, and all roads in between will be closed to traffic until after the tree ceremony.
“Come early, have a late lunch, shop downtown Morgan Hill and support your local business while you wait for the parade,” Kimmich said. “Bring a blanket and a chair, and find your spot about 4:30. Make a whole afternoon of it. There will be carolers downtown, and Tony Eulo from the City will have some interactive games going on to teach about recycling.”
The parade will go on, rain or snow, Kimmich said.
Volunteers are needed to help as parade marshals; anyone interested is asked to call 408-782-6230.
