Christmas season arrives in Hub City

Juan A. Navejar Jr.

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 35^th Annual Christmas with large crowds lined up along the parade route. The cool temp had many in their coats, sweaters, jackets and blankets as they waited for the lighting of downtown and the arrival of Santa Claus.
Before turning on the lights in downtown, Alice Mayor Ike Ornelas welcomed the crowd and introduced Parade Grand Marshall Gordon “Bud” Smith.
“Isn’t this great to see so many of you out here,” the Smith said.
And with that, the official countdown from five to zero and the flipping of the switch commenced.
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.
“This was truly a unique parade as we saw some great participation not just locally but from our neighboring towns,” Alice Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Juan Navejar said. “All the entries were quite unique in keeping with the theme of an All American Christmas.”
This year’s parade winners were: Best Performance – Michelle’s Dance, Best Church Entry – Abundant Life Church, Most Unique – Stonegate Baptist Church , Best Out of Town – Coastal Bend College , Best Youth –  Lulu’s Heart Journey, Best Small Commercial Float – Mi Famila Adult Day Care, Best Large Commercial Float - McCoys   Store, Best School Entry – St. Joseph Catholic School, Best Decorated Vehicle – Rummy Soliz and Director’s Choice – Saldivar Coastal Services.
The parade and lighting of downtown is sponsored by the Alice Chamber of Commerce/Convention Visitors Bureau and the City of Alice.