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Christmas Tree Lighting • Veterans Park • Wed. Nov. 27th 6 p.m.
Napa Christmas Parade • Sat. Dec. 7th 5 p.m.
Celebrating the holidays is that much more special if you can do it with the family. With the hope in mind that you will spending this season with your loved ones, The Napa Christmas Parade theme is “Home for the Holidays.”
The celebrations begin with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Veterans Park. Wednesday, November 27 at 6 p.m., Mayor Scott Sedgley will lead the community in a countdown to light the tree. Scouts BSA will be on-hand giving out free cookies, provided by Sweetie Pie’s. Hot chocolate will be donated by Downtown Joe’s, as they have since the tree lighting in Veterans Park began. Entertainment will come from local children’s groups, who will dance and sing before the Mayor leads the countdown to light the tree.
The Napa Christmas Parade is Saturday, December 7 at 5 p.m. Three cash awards of $500 each will be given to the Kiwanian parade judges’ choices in three categories: Best Use of Lights, Best Theme-Oriented, and Best Use of Music. Anyone can enter the parade, and it’s free. Whether you choose to build an elaborate float, simply march along with your group, or just watch, the Napa Christmas Parade is a hometown tradition that has grown over the years.
The parade begins on Second Street at School, heads east on Second to Brown, then north to Third, and finally west back to School Street. Judging takes place on Third Street in front of the courthouse, across from the Second Street garage. All groups are recognized and introduced at the stage.
Old Saint Nick will set up shop in the lobby of the Welcome Center near the corner of First and Randolph Street this year, as soon as he wraps up the Christmas Parade, probably about 6:30 p.m. He’ll bring a staff of Elves who will pass out candy canes, and Welcome Center will have plenty of hot chocolate on hand for everyone. All the little ones have to do is bring their wish list and tell Santa what they want. Santa will do his best to fill all those requests.
The parade Grand Marshal this year is Senator Bill Dodd, who, after twenty-five years of public service to Napa, is taking a well-deserved retirement. Bill began his public service life as a four-term member of the Napa County Board of Supervisors, where he helped shepherd the flood control project to completion. Following that, he was elected to the Fourth Assembly District. After two terms there, he was elected to the Third District as State Senator, a position from which he will soon term out. At the State level, he’s worked on wildfire safety and issues impacting seniors, plus many more. He is a fifth generation Napan. His wife, Mary, and he have five grown children and thirteen grandchildren. Join Bill and his family as they greet all parade onlookers.
The Kiwanis Club of Napa helps with parade set-up, emcee and judging for awards. And a special shout out goes to the staff and elected officials of the City of Napa. Most of what they do is largely unseen – planning to make sure the event is safe, road closures and overseeing closed intersections during the parade and clean up. Sponsors include the Bank of Marin, City of Napa, Napa Valley Marketplace Magazine and Downtown Napa Association.
FREE EVENTS • Parade applications at DoNapa.com or by calling 257-0322