Local residents didn’t let it rain on their parade.
Escalon’s annual Christmas on Main celebration escaped the raindrops that roared through the region on Saturday morning, Dec. 1 – as the skies cleared and the sun even made a brief appearance just before booths opened for business. The city’s Main Street Park was the center for all the activity, with vendor booths, entertainment, food and fun kicking off at 3 p.m. Saturday and running until about 8 p.m. that evening.
Along with several musical and performing groups taking the stage, vendors had a variety of wares from flowers and home décor to handmade blankets, scarves, bundles of books by the Friends of the Escalon Library, even a coloring and craft booth for kids hosted by the Escalon High School cross country team. Representatives of the Escalon Youth Center were on hand to inform residents about that facility, there was face painting, attendees could purchase an ornament to put on the ‘giving trees’ that were decorated and then delivered to a couple of local families and there were plenty of food and beverage choices as well. A taco truck, a tri tip booth, plus hot chocolate and cookies were all available.
Plus the fire pits set up around the park offered not only some warmth once the sun went down but also were utilized by many to make s’mores, all the fixins’ provided courtesy of the Escalon Chamber of Commerce, which was a main sponsor for the downtown event.
The Davis Family of Escalon was honored as this year’s Grand Marshal for the holiday light parade, which was emceed by councilman Robert Swift with assistance from Chamber of Commerce President Pat Brown. The two also offered thanks to the many groups, individuals and businesses that helped contribute to the success of the event through sponsorships.
Taking home top honors from the parade was the El Portal Middle School Band float, first; the Girl Scouts aboard their Cookie Express float, second; and the Incredibles and Minions entry taking third.
Arriving on an Escalon fire truck at the end of the roughly 30-mintue parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus greeted the crowd and then took their seats on the stage to meet with children, pose for photos and hear some holiday wishes. All youngsters then received a gift and candy cane, provided by Miss Escalon and her court, with help from little Miss and Little Mr. Escalon.
Leading the way in the parade was the Escalon American Legion colorguard and entries also included the Escalon Public Works crew with a brightly lighted street sweeper, the Escalon High School Band, Bill Augusto and his 1915 Dodge Touring Car, members of the Escalon City Council, STARS volunteers and more.
The festivities drew a large crowd to the downtown area and attendees and organizers alike were pleased that the weather cooperated, with the rain clearing out in time for all to enjoy a festive start to the holiday season.
