Officially ushering in the holiday season, Escalon’s annual Christmas on Main drew a huge crowd to the downtown area for an afternoon and evening of festivities on Saturday, Dec. 2.

The event featured music, food, vendor booths, dancers and a holiday light parade, along with a visit from Santa Claus.

Vendor booths ranged from merchandise vendors to informational displays, while the Escalon Rocks booth drew plenty of youngsters to paint rocks, the Escalon library had a book sale and those attending could also purchase ornaments for ‘The Giving Trees’ that were decorated for distribution to area families that might not otherwise be able to afford a tree. One of the informational booths was set up by the Escalon Scottish Cultural Association, a group that has just started up and will have its next meeting on Thursday, Dec. 14 at the Escalon Library.

The Light Parade along Main Street drew rave reviews for not only the number of entries but the colorful lights and decorations that many featured. McDowell & Davis was recognized as the Parade Grand Marshal and several community groups, service organizations, businesses and families were represented.

Officials estimated the downtown crowd at upwards of 2,000 people and noted that Main Street was packed, several people deep, for the parade. Another feature of the evening was the use of the new Escalon Police Department drone, flying overhead, making its first appearance in the community.