By DINA AREVALO
Special to the NEWS
‘Tis the season of giving, and this year residents of San Benito can enjoy giving a helping hand to the San Benito Food Pantry while oohing and ahhing at the Valley’s longest-running lighted Christmas parade.
Saturday marks the 64th annual San Benito Parade of Lights along downtown Sam Houston Blvd., which will be emceed by Anna Llanes. This year’s theme is “It’s a Giving Christmas.” The community is encouraged to bring canned and nonperishable food items to the parade. High school student volunteers will walk along the route collecting the donations.
While registration will continue until Dec. 11th, interest is already high, said city spokesperson Martha McClain. Years past have seen about 100 individual entries, she said.
Participants who wish to enter floats in the parade may do so in one of two categories: religious or novelty, she said. Floats will be judged by three community members. First, second, and third place winners will be announced for each category and winners will receive trophies, as well as cash prizes. First place will receive $100, second will receive $50, and third place will receive $35.
Watching “the way people use the theme to create something is always beautiful,” said McClain of the floats.
Spectators may wish to arrive to the parade route early, as the police department will close cross streets along Sam Houston Blvd. with barricades by 4 p.m., McClain said. For parade participants, the line-up will begin at 4:30 p.m. The parade itself will begin at 6 p.m.
For those still interested in registering as a participant, walking groups can be registered for $25, floats, cars, or trucks for $35, and horse groups of up to 10 horses for $25. Participants with horses must provide a veterinarian’s certificate, McClain said.
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3 comments
Dear Santa:
Could you please get us someone to coordinate the parade that has a clue? The gaps between floats and waiting showed poor planning and lack of coordination! Where is the Chamber of Commerce? Why did the City take over the parade? Sad. We can’t even get a parade right.
Sorry,but for the life of me I don’t see how some whinning school worker has anything to do with the parade of lights.Was this comment put here out of stupidity,or just to make sure he gets heard,School worker,be greatful you even have a job,don’t worry about your bonus,worry about the kids education,thats what we pay our taxes for.
Dear Santa,
Can you please be sure the SBCISD Admin and School Board don’t get anything for Christmas. They have been really bad. Or maybe you can give them a caring and appreciative heart. I’ve been working and doing what my job asks of me to do. It doesn’t look like I’m going to get a raise or bonus. Do you think you can give me one? The SBCISD doesn’t have the heart to give money to its workers. I think they only give raises and money to their close friends and the workers that don’t work or leave (Limon, Gantt, etc). Maybe you have the heart to give a raise or bonus. I’d be forever thankful.
Sincerely,
A “If I still believed in Santa, this is what I’d write him” SBCISD employee
PS I hope you enjoy the milk and cookies.