GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Once again, Gridley residents were delighted by the Winter Wonderland and Parade of Lights held Wednesday, Dec. 4, in historic Downtown Gridley. The annual event was sponsored by the Gridley Area Chamber of Commerce.

Mayor Mike Farr opened the festivities at 5 p.m. with a warm welcome and holiday wishes to all.

Gridley Area Chamber of Commerce President Lynne Spencer then thanked everyone for coming.

The Merry Songbirds, a carolers group from Sacramento, sang “Jingle Bells” and “Silent Night.” The Butte County Royal Court sang “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” prior to the tree lighting.

The tree lighting was somewhat different this year. After many years of decorating the large cedar tree at Orchard Hospital, lights were placed this year on a tree at the north end of Daddow Park. That’s because the Orchard Hospital tree was deemed unsafe, due to the fire that burned a portion of it last year. There were also safety concerns for the CAL FIRE/Gridley Fire Department employees who affixed the lights every year, as well as pedestrians crossing Spruce Street.

Nevertheless, the lighting of the newly designated tree was amazing, according to Spencer. Fire Chief Todd Farr flipped the switch.

The Parade of Lights commenced shortly thereafter, dazzling the crowd.

A police squad car led out, followed by the ROTC color guard and a fire engine. Quite a few off-road vehicles were interspersed throughout the procession, bedecked with plenty of Christmas lights and passengers throwing candy.

Butte County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue brought a brightly-lit patrol boat. Dancers in the Latin dancing group 'Ballet Folklorico Las Hijas de Mary’ danced their way through the parade route. 

The Best of Show award went to Rotary International for their rendition of “The Polar Express.”

The first-place float was awarded to Waterbury Electric for depicting Santa in his sleigh, with “Sugar Storage LLC” and a large quantity of Christmas candy.

Second-place went to Anthony’s Balloons’ float, featuring a Santa and two snowmen made entirely of balloons.

Third-place went to Apples to Zebras Preschool, which had many children seated by a Christmas tree. A teacher waved to the crowd amidst glowing lights and many balloons.

The parade concluded with Santa riding on Fire Engine Number 274.