Moving the annual Christmas on Main celebration from Saturday to Sunday – accommodating the State Championship football game hosted and won by the Escalon High School Cougars on Dec. 10 – the afternoon and early evening festivities on Sunday, Dec. 11 drew a sizeable crowd downtown to the city’s Main Street Park.

Food and merchandise booths opened at 3 p.m.; there were crafts, hot chocolate, fire pits set up for the making of s’mores and entertainment on the Main Street stage. The high point of the event was the Lighted Christmas Parade, which stepped off at 5:30 p.m.

The Escalon American Legion Colorguard led the way, and Legion member George ‘Pineapple’ Tavares offered a few comments about the late Angelo Blanco, a longtime Post member and community resident. The crowd observed a moment of silence in Blanco’s honor.

Grand Marshals for this year’s parade were Dave and Sandy Russell, both active for many years with the Escalon Historical Society.

A number of lighted floats and walking entries followed, ranging from the Tuleberg Chapter of E Clampus Vitus to the Bracco family, which collects stuffed toys all year and passes them out at the parade; the Escalon High School marching band and a float carrying the state champion varsity football team.

Emcee for the parade was Robert Swift and Chamber of Commerce President Pat Brown also got on the microphone to thank the many sponsors that helped put on the day’s activities. Sponsors and supporters were also indicated with signs placed on the Main Street Park arch.

Attendees had the chance to shop for some unique holiday gifts, enjoyed the ‘snow’ that was falling in an area of the park and also were able to pose for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and their helper, Jingle Belle, following the parade. The visits with Santa were hosted on the stage, assisted by Miss Escalon and members of her court.

The day’s events were coordinated through the Chamber of Commerce.