Christmas arrives with Santa

The Holiday Season has arrived. With the weather turning a bit chilly, the mood has been set for a joyful Christmas.
The season kicked off officially with the 30th Annual Christmas Parade which marked the first day of our 12 Days of Christmas celebration.
Cold temperatures did not keep the large crowds away as they lined up along the parade route as many in their coats, sweaters, jackets and blankets awaited for the lighting of downtown and the arrival of Santa Claus.
Before turning on the lights in downtown, Alice Mayor Pro-Tem Dorella Elizondo welcomed the crowd.
“It’s great to see so many of you out here waiting for Santa to arrive.” Mayor Pro-Tem Elizondo said.
Along the route kids cheered and clapped as they saw floats all decked out in lights, the marching band playing Christmas music and of course the arrival of Santa Claus at the end of the parade.
“Our parade is no longer just an Alice parade. We are seeing more and more from our area communities participating which is fantastic,” Alice Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Juan Navejar said. “All the entries were quite unique in keeping with the theme. The parade marked the first of twelve days of Christmas events.”
The twelve days include train rides with Santa Claus, pictures with Santa, pets with Santa, letters to Santa and much more.
“All this culminates to our Shop Alice campaign on Saturday, December 10th,” Chamber Administrative Assistant Veronica Castillo said. “We wanted to bring events to the town that are family orientated as well as make sure we support our local businesses by Shopping in Alice during the Holidays.”
This year’s parade winners were: Best Performance – JWC Fair Association, Best Church Entry – Knights of Columbus, Most Unique – Mi Familia Adult Day Care, Best Out of Town – Brooks County Fair Association, Best Youth – San Diego Most Beautiful and Handsome, Best Business/Civic – Saldivar Home Care, Best School Entry – AHS ROTC, Best Decorated Vehicle – Hearing Aid of South Texas.
The parade and lighting of downtown is sponsored by the Alice Chamber of Commerce/Convention Visitors Bureau and the City of Alice.