Parade makes return
The Madera Tribune File Photo
The Madera Evening Lions is re-starting a Madera tradition with the Downtown Madera Christmas Light Parade, which will be run down Yosemite Avenue beginning at 6 p.m. on Thursday. Leighton’s Jewelers display a creatively crafted giant lighted diamond on their float during the 2019 parade.
The Madera Evening Lions Club is bringing back the Madera Downtown Christmas Parade to kick off the holiday season.
The parade will begin Thursday at 6 p.m. at the corner of Lake and Yosemite.
According to Co-Chairman Abel Perez, the parade will travel down Yosemite and then make a left at E Street and eventually finish off at the corner of 6th and E, where the Vintage car dealership was.
As of press time there were about 40 entries, but Perez expects a few more. Perez said there were about 40 entries the last time the parade was held.
“We hope to have another five or 10 to trickle in at the last minute,” he said. “We still have people coming in.”
Included in the 40 entries are the band and cheerleaders from the local high schools.
“That’s going to be really exciting. They will be able to beat to their own drum down Yosemite,” Perez said.
After a year of not having the parade, Perez and the Madera Evening Lions are excited about Thursday evening.
“It’s a huge blessing for us. We are a club of fund raisers and use that to support the community,” he said. “This is one of those events that is strictly for the community. We devote our time and effort for the people of Madera. People enjoy setting up came along the street to enjoy it. It’s an an enjoyable time.”
Closing the parade will be a visit from Santa Claus and he will be escorted by the Madera County Sheriff’s Department.
Perez encourages people to get out there early to find the best spots.
“We certainly recommend to set up by about 5 p.m.,” he said. “Parking downtown is sometimes difficult. In order to get the best spot, you want to ger there early. The focal point is in front of Tijuana Grill and Wells Fargo. That’s where we will have the announcements.”
