KEEPING THE RHYTHM A marching drum band delivers the beat during the 35th annual Kiwanis Holiday Lights Parade in downtown Morgan Hill Saturday evening. Photos: Tarmo Hannula

Thousands of people flocked to the 35th annual Kiwanis Holiday Lights Parade that unwound along Monterey Road in downtown Morgan Hill Saturday evening. From dancers and marching bands, to lighted antique cars and bicycles, baton twirlers and an early day fire engine, the hour-long parade drew heavy crowds that enjoyed a glimpse of colorful lights and a taste of strong community spirit. The event reached its crescendo at the close of the parade as Santa sailed through on a decorated boat float. He then met up with dignitaries for a ceremonial Christmas tree lighting that was capped with a roar of applause.

SPIRITED CONCERT A massive choir of elementary students from Valley Christian Schools delivers a list of holiday songs at the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center’s Amphitheater to a crowd of hundreds. Photos: Tarmo Hannula
SPIRITED CONCERT A massive choir of elementary students from Valley Christian Schools delivers a list of holiday songs at the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center’s Amphitheater to a crowd of hundreds. Photos: Tarmo Hannula
COLORFUL WHEELS Kids and adults show off their lighted bicycles in the parade. Photos: Tarmo Hannula
CLAUS ARRIVES Santa rides atop a unique boat float as the final entry in the parade. Photos: Tarmo Hannula
HOLIDAY TUNES A musician sports a lighted trumpet as part of a large marching band in the parade. Photos: Tarmo Hannula
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Tarmo Hannula has been the lead photographer with The Pajaronian newspaper in Watsonville since 1997. More recently Good Times & Press Banner. He also reports on a wide range of topics, including police, fire, environment, schools, the arts and events. A fifth generation Californian, Tarmo was born in the Mother Lode of the Sierra (Columbia) and has lived in Santa Cruz County since the late 1970s. He earned a BA from UC Santa Cruz and has traveled to 33 countries.

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